Get Guardian on GoogleNigeria’s Flamingos have made history by winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final.
The Nigerian girls produced a determined performance to overcome their Japanese opponents and secure the historic title.
Awawu opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a long-range effort after Japan’s goalkeeper spilled the ball into her own net.
The Flamingos doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half when Oluebube Umejiaku found the net to give Nigeria a commanding 2-0 lead.
Japan refused to surrender, however, as midfielder Fuki Ito capitalised on a rebound to reduce the deficit 10 minutes before the end of regulation time, setting up a tense finish.
Despite Japan’s late pressure, the Flamingos held on to their advantage to seal a memorable victory and claim Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup crown.
However, the Flamingos held on tight to the lead to the blast of the final whistle to emerge as the new FIFA Under-17 Women’s Champions.
The Flamingos made history by becoming the first African team to win the competition since its inception in 2008.
Nigeria also became the first African country to win both the FIFA Under-17 Men’s and Women’s World Cups.
Oluebube Umejiaku won the Golden Ball Award as she finished the tournament with three goals and two assists.
The 16-year-old scored against North Korea, Mexico, and Japan and provided assists in the matches against Puerto-Rico and Brazil to cap a brilliant individual outing.
