U-17 Women's World Cup: Nigeria crowned champions after 2-1 win over Japan

A second-half Oluebube Umejiaku goal proved the difference as Nigeria edged Japan to clinch a maiden FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup crown, and a first title for an African nation at this event.

Nigeria attacked with gusto from the start and saw efforts from Awawu Bashiru and Umejiaku fly just past the post. A wide free-kick into the area then caused chaos in the Japan box, with Kou Kadowaki dropping the set-piece to Umejiaku, who headed against the bar.

That was, sadly for Japan, foreshadowing what was to come. Bashiru sent a dropping ball looping towards goal which Kadowaki looked destined to catch, but saw it squirm between her gloves and drop into the net.

Fortune then made way for impudence as Nigeria doubled their lead. Esther Stephen hit a raking pass upfield which Umejiaku raced on to, controlled with her left before sending a delicate lob over Kadowaki.

Japan went in search of an instant reply when Nigeria goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho miscued a punch clear which fell to Wara Shimizu, whose snapshot cleared the bar. Down the other end, the electric Umejiaku raced down the channel and bore down on Kadowaki, but the shot-stopper made a superb block with her foot to foil the No. 17.

Sadayoshi Shirai's side did get a foothold with ten minutes to go, as substitute Anri Ito bravely headed a corner back across goal for her namesake Fuki to volley in.

It wasn't to be for the Japanese, though, as Nigeria celebrated a victory for the nation – and the continent – in Rabat.