Infantino: Nigeria deserved to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
FIFA president Gianni Infantino congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, on winning the 2026 World Cup, calling the triumph deserved. Nigeria beat Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, known as the Flamingos, on winning the 2026 World Cup, calling the triumph deserved. Nigeria beat Japan 2-1 in the final, held on Saturday in Rabat, Morocco.
Nigeria became the first African country to win the tournament and the first African team to claim a title at a Women’s World Cup at any level. The triumph came after the team recovered from losing its opening match to Poland and won its next six matches, including a group-stage meeting with then defending champions North Korea.
Awa Bashiru and Olubobi Omejiako scored Nigeria’s goals, with Omejiako netting the winner two minutes into the second half. It was her fourth goal of the tournament, and she received the Golden Ball award. Japan scored in the 80th minute but could not find an equaliser.
Japan finished in second place, while North Korea took bronze after beating Brazil 6-0 in the third-place match. Infantino congratulated both teams on their achievements and praised Morocco for organising and hosting the tournament.