Nigeria won Africa’s first U-17 Women’s World Cup title by beating Japan 2–1 in Rabat on 7 November 2026. FIFA’s match-day report records goals from Awawu Bashiru after 39 minutes and Oluebube Umejiaku after 47, before Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute.

A recovery across the tournament

FIFA’s 7 November tournament summary says Nigeria followed an opening defeat by Poland with six successive wins. Umejiaku finished with four goals and the Golden Ball, adding an individual award to the team’s first championship.

A new African benchmark

CAF’s report dated 5 November identifies Ghana’s 2012 bronze and Nigeria’s 2022 bronze as the continent’s previous best finishes. Nigeria therefore crossed two milestones in Morocco: reaching Africa’s first final at this event and then winning it. Japan contested their fourth final; their 2014 championship remains their only title, according to FIFA’s summary.

Archival/illustrative cover photograph: Nigeria U-17 team at the 2025 edition. Not from the current match or announcement. Photographer/creator: Wikimedia Morocco. Image source and metadata; CC BY-SA 4.0. Image date as recorded by the source: 2025-10-25 17:01:36. Licensed file used without raster edits.