Flamingos head coach Akeem Busari has described Nigeria’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup victory as a “dream come true” after his side secured a 2–1 win against Japan in the final in Morocco.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku sealed the victory, making the Flamingos the first African team ever to win the tournament.
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Bashiru put Nigeria ahead in the 39th minute off a setup from Mary Dunstan before Umejiaku doubled the lead early in the second half, latching onto Esther Stephen’s lofted pass and lifting a clever finish over Japan goalkeeper Kadowaki.
Despite a late response from Japan’s Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, Nigeria’s defensive line stood strong to see out the match.
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Reacting in his post-match interview with FIFA.com, Busari commended the squad’s combative spirit:
“We came together to fight this battle like gladiators,” Busari stated. “I told the players that if we gave everything, we would smile at the end. Today we are smiling because effort brings fruitful success.”
