Why Japan Lost U-17 World Cup Final to Nigeria — Coach

Japan’s Under-17 women’s national team coach, Sadayoshi Shirai, has identified Nigeria’s superior speed and physical strength as major reasons his team lost 2-1 to the Flamingos in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Shirai made the remarks during his post-match interview with FIFA after Nigeria secured its first-ever title in the competition on Saturday, November 7, in Rabat.

The Japanese coach admitted that although his team understood Nigeria’s strengths before the encounter, the Flamingos still caused problems for his players, particularly when they broke through Japan’s defensive line.

“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,” Shirai said.

He praised his players for their determination but acknowledged that containing Nigeria’s pace and physical power proved difficult throughout the encounter.

“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,” he added.

Shirai also suggested that scoring earlier could have given Japan a better opportunity to change the outcome of the match.

“I also believe that if we had managed to score earlier, we might have had a better chance of winning the match,” he said.

Nigeria took the lead in the 39th minute through Awawu Bashiru, whose effort slipped through the hands of Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki.

Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the Flamingos’ advantage just two minutes into the second half, capitalising on a pass from Esther Stephen before lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.

Japan reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, setting up a tense closing period. However, Nigeria held on to secure the 2-1 victory.

Despite the disappointment, Shirai urged his players to take pride in their performance and the journey that brought them to the final.

Nigeria’s victory made the Flamingos the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, marking a historic achievement for Nigerian and African football.