U-17 Women’s World Cup final: Nigeria beats Japan 2–1

Nigeria beat Japan 2–1 in Saturday’s U-17 Women’s World Cup final in Rabat to win the tournament for the first time. Inside World Football says Nigeria is the first African nation to win a women’s FIFA tournament.

Nigeria’s previous best finish in the competition was third place in 2022. Japan had won the title in 2014.

Nigeria holds off Japan

Awawu Bashiru put Nigeria ahead in the 39th minute. Shortly after halftime, Oluebube Umejiaku lifted her finish over Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki to double the lead.

Fuki Ito pulled a goal back for Japan with ten minutes remaining, but Nigeria held on under late pressure. Japan coach Sadayoshi Shirai said Nigeria’s pace and physical power were difficult to contain, and that, although his team understood Nigeria’s strengths, its players sometimes got behind his team’s defense.

Umejiaku began the tournament on the bench and finished it with four goals and the Golden Ball, including the winner in the final. She said she was very happy and that the coaches’ instructions helped the team keep its heads up through a difficult tournament.

A recovery from the opening defeat

Nigeria lost its opening match 2–1 to Poland, then won six straight games. It beat Puerto Rico and defending champion North Korea, the latter 3–1 to end its long unbeaten run in the competition, followed by Mexico and Venezuela, before defeating Brazil in the semifinal. Bashiru scored twice in the 3–1 win over Brazil.

Inside World Football says Nigeria is the first team to win the competition after losing its opening game. It also says the final was the first in any FIFA competition between African and Asian national teams.