Tinubu hails Flamingos as first African champions of FIFA U-17 women’s World Cup

Abdullateef Fowewe

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, after they defeated Japan 2-1 to win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, becoming the first African side to lift the trophy.

In a statement posted on X, the President described the victory as “wonderful news to return home to, and what a proud moment for Nigeria.”

He noted that he and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu watched the final after returning from official engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States.

“Our young girls have conquered the world, made history and brought immense honour to Nigeria and the African continent,” Tinubu said.

He recalled following the team’s campaign and their promise after the semi-final to bring the trophy home.

“Today, you have kept that promise with courage, discipline and unwavering belief in yourselves,” he wrote.

The President emphasised the wider impact of the achievement, “Your triumph goes far beyond football. Millions of young Nigerian girls will look at what you have achieved and know that they, too, can dream big, compete with the best and reach the pinnacle of their chosen fields.”

He congratulated the players, coaching crew, Nigeria Football Federation, National Sports Commission and all involved, noting, “On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I salute our world champions. You have written a glorious new chapter in our nation’s sporting history. Nigeria celebrates you. I celebrate you.”

The Flamingos secured the historic title at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat with goals from Awawu Bashiru (39th minute) and Oluebube Umejiaku (47th minute).

Japan pulled one back late through Fuki Ito, but Nigeria held on.

The victory marks the first time an African nation has won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 2008.

It is also the first FIFA World Cup title won by any African women’s national team.

Nigeria has previously dominated the men’s U-17 category with multiple titles.