FIFA wrote that “DPR Korea were odds-on favourites to achieve something nations from all four corners of the globe had chased for almost a century. They were destined for a FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup three-peat, and to become the first nation to clinch a global 11-a-side FIFA title three times on the bounce.
They entered their Group B finale with Nigeria off the back of six-goal wins over Puerto Rico and Poland knowing a point would guarantee top spot and take their unbeaten run at this event to a record-equalling 19th match.
But the champions-in-waiting were shellshocked by champions-in-the-making, as Nigeria produced a stunning 3-1 win. Coach Akeem Busari referred to his players as ‘gladiators’ throughout Morocco 2026, and in the very land where Ridley Scott’s 2000 epic was filmed, his side produced a blockbuster performance to light a title flame which burned until the end.
Nigeria lost their opener versus Poland which, to many, was case closed on the title ambitions Busari rode into these finals. After all, none of the nine nations to win the trophy had done so after losing their first game. They then toiled to a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico, before producing their tournament-shaking reverse of DPR Korea.
Mexico were next to be comfortably swept aside, before they edged Venezuela courtesy of an 89th-minute Azeezat Oduntan penalty. Brazil was arguably their finest display, as Busari’s charges rained 35 shots on the Seleção’s goal in a commanding 3-1 victory to take them to a maiden showpiece.
Only Japan stood in the way of Nigeria and glory. Two players who begun the tournament on the bench stood up to be counted, as Awawu Bashiru netted a first-half opener, before Oluebube Umejiaku dinked home a stunning second to carry the Flamingos to a 2-1 win.
Flamingos celebrate with their coach, Akeem Busari
For Nigeria and their star performers, it wasn’t about how they started, but how they finished”.
