President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, urging the young players to take one final step towards making history by winning the tournament.
The President praised the team’s determination, resilience and impressive performance after they defeated Brazil 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final in Morocco, becoming the first African nation to reach the final of the competition.
Tinubu described the achievement as a moment of national pride, noting that the players had demonstrated the quality, discipline and fighting spirit required to compete against the best teams in the world.
In a congratulatory message issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended the players, coaching crew and technical officials for their collective efforts throughout the tournament.
He urged the team to remain focused and approach Saturday’s final against Japan with the same confidence and determination that had carried them past Brazil.
Tinubu expressed confidence in the Flamingos’ ability to secure Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title, while encouraging Nigerians to continue supporting the team as they prepare for the decisive encounter.
The President also described the players as worthy ambassadors of the country, whose achievement would inspire more young Nigerian girls to pursue careers in football and other sporting activities.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” he said.
Nigeria booked their place in the final with an impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, producing a dominant second-half performance after both teams failed to find the back of the net before the break.
The Flamingos returned from half-time with renewed determination and broke the deadlock in the 56th minute through Queen Joseph, who finished off an assist from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi to put Nigeria ahead.
The goal gave the Nigerian side greater confidence as they continued to threaten the Brazilian defence.
Their pressure eventually paid off again in the 71st minute when Awawu Bashiru doubled the advantage, putting Nigeria in a commanding position with less than 20 minutes remaining.
Bashiru completed her brace in the 80th minute, converting another well-worked opportunity created by Oluebube Umejiaku to extend Nigeria’s lead to 3-0.
Brazil managed to reduce the deficit through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute, but the South Americans could not produce a late comeback as Nigeria held on to secure a memorable victory.
The result represents a landmark moment for African women’s football, with the Flamingos becoming the first team from the continent to reach the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria had previously reached the semi-finals in 2022, when they finished third after defeating Germany in the bronze medal match. However, their latest achievement has taken the country a step further and created an opportunity to claim an unprecedented continental milestone.
Their opponents in the final, Japan, also demonstrated their determination by defeating North Korea 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their semi-final encounter.
The meeting between Nigeria and Japan will therefore present the Flamingos with their biggest challenge of the tournament, as they attempt to overcome one of the strongest teams in youth women’s football.
For Nigeria, the final is about more than securing another international victory. It represents an opportunity to establish a new standard for African women’s football and reward the hard work of a generation of young players who have captured the attention of the nation.
With Tinubu’s message adding to the growing support behind the team, the Flamingos will now turn their attention to Saturday’s showdown, hoping to transform their historic qualification into Nigeria’s first U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph.
