Nigeria became the first African nation to win a women’s World Cup at any age level after beating Japan 2-1 in the Women’s Under-17 World Cup final in Rabat on Saturday.

The Flamingos overcame a Japan side who won the competition in 2014 and were appearing in their fourth final, securing a landmark triumph for Nigerian and African women’s football.

Nigeria took the lead in the 39th minute when Awawu Bashiru’s long-range effort was mishandled by Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki.

They doubled their advantage just two minutes after half-time. Oluebube Umejiaku showed composure to lift the ball over the goalkeeper and put Nigeria in control.

Japan reduced the deficit with 10 minutes remaining through Fuki Ito, but Akeem Busari’s team held on to complete a historic victory.

The result ends a long wait for an African women’s side to claim a global title. Nigeria’s Falconets had previously reached the Women’s Under-20 World Cup final twice, in 2010 and 2014, only to lose to Germany on both occasions.

Before Saturday’s success, the Flamingos’ best performance at the Under-17 World Cup had been a third-place finish in 2022.

Nigeria are now also the first African country to win a men’s and women’s Under-17 World Cup. The country’s men have claimed five editions of their tournament, in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.

The Flamingos’ route to the final had begun with a 2-0 defeat by Poland, but they recovered strongly and went on to overturn the early expectations.

In the group stage, they beat holders North Korea 3-1 before defeating Brazil by the same score in the semi-final. Their victory over Japan completed an impressive improvement during the tournament in Morocco.

Umejiaku was named the competition’s best player after playing a central role in Nigeria’s progress. Her final goal proved decisive, giving her side the advantage they ultimately maintained until the final whistle.

The tournament in Morocco has therefore marked the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian players. Their achievement provides the country with its first women’s world title and a significant landmark for African football.