President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, describing their achievement as a moment of immense national pride and a landmark for African women’s football.
The Flamingos made history on Saturday after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Reacting to the victory, Tinubu praised the young Nigerian footballers for their courage, discipline, determination and fighting spirit, noting that their remarkable journey had brought joy to millions of Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a congratulatory statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he received the cheering news upon returning from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.
“What wonderful news to return home to! Our young girls have conquered the world and given Nigerians everywhere another reason to celebrate our great country,” Tinubu said.
The President also recalled following the team’s progress throughout the competition, particularly their impressive semi-final victory over Brazil, after which the players promised to bring the trophy home.
According to him, the Flamingos had fulfilled their promise through collective determination, teamwork and an unwavering belief in their ability to become world champions.
“I followed your journey throughout this tournament, and after your semi-final victory, you promised to bring the trophy home. Today, you have kept that promise. You believed in yourselves, fought for one another and carried our nation’s flag to the very top of the world,” he added.
Tinubu further described the victory as an inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls who dream of achieving greatness through sports and other fields of endeavour.
He noted that the team’s success had demonstrated how hard work, opportunity and determination could help young people overcome challenges and compete successfully on the international stage.
The President specifically applauded Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured Nigeria’s historic victory over Japan, while commending the entire squad for their outstanding teamwork throughout the tournament.
Nigeria took the lead in the 39th minute through Bashiru, whose effort slipped past Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki. Umejiaku doubled the advantage just two minutes into the second half after controlling a superb long pass from Esther Stephen before lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
Japan attempted a late comeback when Fuki Ito pulled one back in the 80th minute, but the Flamingos maintained their composure to secure a memorable 2-1 victory.
Beyond celebrating the players, Tinubu also congratulated head coach Akeem Busari, the technical crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the historic achievement.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development, particularly expanding opportunities for young Nigerians and girls to discover, nurture and fulfil their sporting potential.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also joined in celebrating the team’s achievement, expressing pride in the young footballers for placing Nigeria and Africa at the pinnacle of women’s football.
She commended the players, coaching staff and technical crew for their dedication, hard work and collective determination, describing the triumph as an achievement that would inspire future generations.
The Flamingos’ victory represents a significant breakthrough for African women’s football, as no African country had previously won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 2008.
The triumph also means Nigeria has become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both the men’s and women’s categories. The country’s Golden Eaglets have previously won the boys’ competition five times.
Interestingly, the Flamingos achieved the historic feat despite losing their opening match 2-1 to Poland. They recovered from that setback to defeat Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea before overcoming Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil in the knockout stages.
Their final victory over Japan completed an extraordinary campaign that has brought international recognition to Nigerian youth football and provided fresh inspiration for aspiring female footballers across the continent.
For millions of Nigerians, the team’s achievement is more than a football victory. It is a reminder of the talent, determination and potential of young people when given the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
As celebrations continue following their return as world champions, attention will also turn to how the historic success can translate into sustained investment, better opportunities and stronger development structures for women’s football in Nigeria.
