Nigeria became the first African country to win the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup on Saturday evening, after the fabulous Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in a spectacular final in Rabat. In the event, Nigeria also became the first country on the African continent to win the FIFA U17 World Cup in both male and female categories, following five triumphs in the male version of the competition in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.

 

The Flamingos also became the very first African women national team to win a FIFA World Cup trophy.

 

The Nigerian girls were crowned champions after a sensational goal by Awawu Bashiru in the first half and a clinical finish by Oluebube Umejiaku in the second rendered Fuki Ito’s 80^th minute strike a mere consolation for the Asians. 

 

The Flamingos started on the front foot, looking to impose themselves on the contest, but Japan held firm as both sides searched for an opening goal in the early stages. Nigeria eventually broke the deadlock in the 39th minute through Bashiru, who found the net with an effort from distance. The strike proved too difficult for Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki to handle, as the ball slipped through her hands and into the net. 

 

The goal, Bashiru’s third of the tournament(following a significant brace against Brazil in the semi finals), gave Nigeria the advantage heading into the closing stages of the first half. The Flamingos wasted little time after the restart, doubling their lead just two minutes into the second half. 

 

Oluebube Umejiaku found the net in the 47th minute to put Nigeria firmly in control of the final. With a two-goal cushion, Nigeria remained organised and kept Japan at bay as the contest entered its final 30 minutes. 

 

Japan, however, refused to give up and found a way back into the contest through Fuki Ito, who scored in the 80th minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1. Kanyinsola Yusuf was booked three minutes later as the closing stages grew increasingly tense, with Japan pushing for an equaliser. The Flamingos held on to their advantage to secure a memorable victory and claim the title, completing an impressive campaign under Head Coach Hakeem Busari’s leadership.

 

Queen Joseph, whose goal started the demolition of Brazil three days ago, Bashru, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Kanyinsola Yusuf and Umejiaku fought bravely for the ball all over the pitch, and showed the true Nigeria spirit in an encounter watched by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe and former FIFA Council Member and two-term President of NFF, Amaju Melvin Pinnick. Pinnick was in office when Nigeria won the last of her FIFA U17 World Cup titles in the male category. 

 

The Federal Government delegation, led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, included the Director General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu.

 

Acting General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, was ecstatic as the final whistle sounded at the Complexe Mohammed VI: “This was an awesome performance by the girls all through. They lost their first match narrowly to Poland but rose stoutly and with determination from that setback to win the six matches that followed and lift this prestigious trophy. They are, indeed, fabulous Flamingos.”