Nigeria Beat Japan to Win First FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Title

Nigeria have been crowned champions of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup for the first time. The Flamingos overcame Japan 2-1 in the final, played in Morocco on Saturday, 7 November.

As first reported by Citi News, the result makes Nigeria the first country from Africa to claim the trophy since the tournament was introduced. The outlet described the win as a significant milestone for women's football across the continent.

Nigeria took the lead six minutes before the interval. Awawu Bashiru scored in the 39th minute, and the Flamingos held that advantage going into half-time.

They doubled their lead soon after play resumed. Oluebube Umejiaku struck in the 47th minute to put Nigeria two goals clear.

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Japan responded late in the match when Fuki Ito scored in the 80th minute to reduce the deficit. Nigeria saw out the remaining minutes to protect their lead and seal the championship.

The final was the high point of a strong campaign for Umejiaku. The forward ended the tournament with four goals and was voted its best player, collecting the adidas Golden Ball.

Several other individual honours were handed out at the end of the competition. Maddie DiMaria of the United States won the Golden Boot after scoring 12 goals. North Korea goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong was given the Golden Glove, and Japan's Fuki Ito received the Bronze Ball.

Nigeria's run to the title began with a setback, as they lost their opening group match to Poland. They then won their remaining matches, beating Puerto Rico, North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil on the way to the final.

In the match for third place, North Korea thrashed Brazil 6-0 to take the bronze medal.