Nigeria’s Flamingos beat Japan 2-1 in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday to win the country’s first title at the tournament.
The win makes Nigeria the first African nation to lift the trophy, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said. Awawu Bashiru put Nigeria ahead in the 39th minute from Mary Dunstan’s pass, and Oluebube Umejiaku scored a second two minutes after half-time, chasing down a long pass from Esther Stephen.
After losing 2-1 to Poland in their opening group match, Nigeria recovered to reach the final.
Japan pulled one back through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, from Anri Ito’s pass, and pressed for an equaliser. Nigeria held on through five minutes of added time.
On the way to the final, the Flamingos beat Puerto Rico 2-0, Mexico 2-1 in the round of 16 and Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals, before they beat Brazil 3-1 in the semi-final.
Head coach Akeem Busari has credited psychological guidance and renewed confidence for the change after the Poland defeat. The National Sports Commission congratulated the team after the final.
Plans for the team’s return to Nigeria have not been announced.
Sources: Confederation of African Football; Channels Television; Vanguard; Punch
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