Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have been crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco.

The victory marks Nigeria’s first-ever title in the competition and makes the country the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. It is also the first time an African women’s national team has won a FIFA World Cup title at any level.

The final, played at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, saw the Flamingos take control early, with Awawu Bashiru opening the scoring in the 39th minute. Her effort gave Nigeria a 1-0 advantage heading into the half-time break.

Nigeria extended their lead just two minutes after the restart when Oluebube Umejiaku scored in the 47th minute. The forward capitalised on a pass from Esther Stephen before finishing calmly to put the Nigerian side two goals ahead.

Japan, however, refused to surrender and reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, setting up a tense closing period. The Japanese team pushed for an equaliser, but Nigeria’s defence remained organised and held on until the final whistle.

The triumph completed an impressive turnaround for the Flamingos, whose campaign began with a 2-1 defeat to Poland in the group stage. They recovered from that setback to record six consecutive victories, including wins over Puerto Rico, defending champions North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil.

Their 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil secured Nigeria’s first appearance in the tournament’s final before they overcame Japan to lift the trophy.

Nigeria had previously recorded their best finish at the competition in 2022, when the Flamingos secured third place in India. The 2026 triumph therefore represents a historic improvement for the team and Nigerian women’s football.

The final was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe, among other football officials. Infantino congratulated Nigeria on the achievement, describing the victory as well deserved.

Meanwhile, North Korea claimed third place after defeating Brazil 6-0 in the tournament’s third-place playoff, while Japan finished as runners-up.

Japan have booked a place in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating defending champions North Korea 4-1 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw in their semi-final encounter in Morocco.

The Japanese side produced a remarkable late comeback on Wednesday, November 4, to end North Korea’s hopes of winning the competition for a third consecutive time.

North Korea appeared to be heading for victory after Ri Ui-gyong opened the scoring in the 52nd minute with a well-taken volley. The defending champions maintained their advantage for most of the second half and looked set to secure another appearance in the final.

However, Japan refused to give up and found a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time. In the 95th minute, a goal-bound effort deflected off North Korean defender Won Sol-gyong and entered the net, sending the match into a penalty shootout.

Japan capitalised on the late breakthrough, converting all four of their penalties to secure a 4-1 victory. Goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki played a crucial role by saving Eh Chong-gum’s attempt, while Kim Ju-gyong struck the post.

Asuka Tanaka converted Japan’s decisive spot-kick to confirm their qualification for the final, marking the country’s first appearance in the tournament’s title match since 2016. The result also ended North Korea’s bid for an unprecedented third successive championship.

Japan will now face Nigeria’s Flamingos in Saturday’s final after the African side defeated Brazil 3-1 in the other semi-final.

Nigeria secured their historic qualification through goals from Queen Joseph and Awawu Bashiru, who scored twice. Brazil managed a late consolation goal, but it was not enough to prevent the Flamingos from reaching their first-ever final in the competition.

The final presents Nigeria with an opportunity to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, while Japan will be seeking another title after lifting the trophy in 2014.

Burna Boy, Bukayo Saka Make History at 2026 Ballon d’Or Ceremony

Nigerian music star Burna Boy and Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka created a memorable moment at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony after the Grammy-winning singer presented the England international with the prestigious Sócrates Award.

The ceremony took place at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, bringing together leading figures from the worlds of football and entertainment.

Burna Boy’s appearance marked a significant milestone, as he became the first Nigerian artiste to present an award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. His participation also highlighted the growing connection between African music and international football.

Before announcing the winner, the singer spoke about his football academy in Nigeria, explaining that he established the initiative to support grassroots football development and help young talents pursue their dreams.

“Something I started a few years ago, just to support the football culture back home. Hopefully, inshallah, one day I’ll come back here to see one of my people getting an award in Ballon d’Or,” Burna Boy said.

His remarks drew attention to his ambition of helping develop Nigerian football talents who could one day compete for some of the sport’s biggest individual honours.

Saka received the Sócrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian and charitable activities away from the football pitch.

The Arsenal winger, who has Nigerian heritage, was recognised for his involvement with BigShoe, an organisation that helps children in need access essential medical treatment.

Through the initiative, Saka has supported life-changing operations for children, including surgeries in Nigeria. In 2022, he helped fund medical procedures for 120 children in Kano, while subsequent support extended to children in other African countries.

The award recognises footballers who use their influence and resources to support humanitarian causes and make a positive impact in their communities. Established in 2022, it is named after the late Brazilian footballer Sócrates, who was known for his social activism as well as his achievements on the pitch.

Saka’s recognition adds to his growing profile as a footballer committed to charitable work, while Burna Boy’s presence placed Nigerian entertainment on the international stage during one of football’s most prominent award ceremonies.

The moment also resonated with Nigerian fans, as two figures of Nigerian heritage and influence featured prominently at an event celebrating excellence in global football.

Burna Boy expressed hope that his football development initiative would eventually help produce a Nigerian player capable of winning the Ballon d’Or itself.

His statement has added another dimension to the ceremony, shifting attention beyond the awards to the possibilities of grassroots football development in Nigeria.