Nigeria Flamingos Lifts Africa's Maiden World Title in Morocco. -

History was inevitable as the Nigeria Flamingos defied all odds to emerge as the first African nation to lift the FIFA u17 women’s world cup trophy.

Nigeria defeated the Little Nadeshiko of Japan 2-1 in the FIFA u17 women’s world cup final yesterday in Rabat, Morocco to clinch the prestigious trophy as it was also the first time an African team emerged as world champions at any category of women’s football.

This record breaking feat also marked a significant milestone for African Women’s Football.

The Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat was packed to the brim in solidarity mainly for the Japanese but the west Africans remained resilient , focused and determined to embrace success.

Bashiru gave Nigeria the breakthrough in the 39th minute after her effort was miscalculated by the Japanese Goalkeeper as the Africans held on to the lead at halftime.

Early on in the second half, Oluebube doubled Nigeria’s lead after chasing a true pass from Esther Stephen while beating the Japanese Goalkeeper and defenders with her blistering pace.

Japan halved the deficit in the 80th minute through Ito from a corner kick as she wasted no time to slot it home.

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Top prominent figures in world football were in attendance to grace the final of the event, feel the nostalgic atmosphere and to also award individual honors to outstanding players of the tournament.

Among the dignitaries were FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and a host of other football personalities.

Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku was awarded the adidas Golden Ball at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for her contribution to the team’s success.

She notched in four goals for Team Nigeria including the memorable winner against Japan in the final.

GAFFER’S TACTICAL MASTERCLASS IN REVIVING NIGERIA’S WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN

Coach Hakeem Busari must be lauded and commended for the tactical brilliance he exhibited throughout the course of the tournament.

Nigeria world cup campaign began with a narrow 2-1 loss against Poland in the group stages.

The tactician resorted to making some changes which included benching Nigeria number striker Harmony Chidi for Oluebube Umejiaku to get Nigeria’s World Cup campaign back on track.

Nigeria got initially got her first win of the tournament against Tournament debutants Puerto Rico in a convincing 2-0 win.

North Korea who were the acclaimed favorites of the competition due to their historical pedigree were thoroughly beaten by the WAFU B Champions who got a statement win and mauled the tournament powerhouses 3-1.

Nigeria then dispatched the Mexicans by 2-1 to book her slot in the quarter finals.

Venezuela who had just defeated one of the favorites Germany was Nigeria’s next opponent. Nigeria prevailed at last after a late penalty sealed the win.

The Brazillans who were prolific and clinical in front of goal expressed optimism in going past the Nigerian team in the semi finals but they were outplayed,outpaced outclassed by the tactical intelligence of coach Hakeem.

The Japanese whose last final appearance at this tournament came in 2016 were confident to rewrite history ahead of the cracker against the West Africans but unfortunately for them they crossed part with a resolute Nigerian side who was in search of glory and hungry for success.

After a successful run, Coach Hakeem Busari also made history as the first African coach to win the u17 women’s world cup and a FIFA Women’s world cup trophy.