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.
WHAT THEY SAID…
"I feel good, I feel very happy. I thank God for everything. It was very difficult for us but the instructions of the coaches made us put our heads up and just take everything as it comes. We didn't have to push for the goals, just to keep ourselves up and we needed to encourage ourselves on the field of play."
OLUEBUBE UMEJIAKU, NIGERIA GOALSCORER
"First of all, I have to say that Nigeria were a very strong team. We understood their strengths, but there were moments when they managed to get in behind our defence. Even so, I think our players fought incredibly hard until the very end, doing everything they could to cope with Nigeria's speed and physical power. I also believe that if we had managed to score earlier, we might have had a better chance of winning the match. I want them [Japan's players] to be proud of themselves. The way they fought until the very end of this World Cup will have inspired many people, and I hope they can take confidence from that." Sadayoshi Shirai, Japan coach