Nigeria beats Japan to win first U-17 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria’s Flamingos beat Japan 2-1 in the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup final to claim their first title, according to the match report. The victory also made Nigeria the first African country to win the tournament, a milestone for women’s football on the continent.

Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute, converting an opportunity created by Mary Dunstan’s assist. Nigeria doubled its lead shortly after the break when Oluebube Umejiaku finished a long-range pass from Esther Stephen in the 47th minute.

Japan cut the deficit in the 80th minute, with Fuki Ito scoring from a pass by Anri Ito. Japan pressed for an equaliser in the closing minutes, while Nigeria defended its lead. The match report said the referee ended the game after five minutes of added time.

The title completed a recovery from Nigeria’s 2-1 opening defeat to Poland. The team then recorded five successive wins, the report said. Nigeria beat Puerto Rico 2-0 and defending champions North Korea 3-1 before advancing past Mexico 2-1 in the round of 16. The win over North Korea ended that team’s 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the tournament, according to the report.