Tinubu Congratulates Flamingos After Historic U-17 Women’s World Cup Triumph
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Flamingos made history on Saturday, November 7, after defeating Japan 2–1 in the final played in Rabat, becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 2008.
In a congratulatory message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the victory as a proud moment for Nigeria and a landmark achievement for African women’s football.
The President, who received the news upon his return from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, praised the players for their courage, discipline, determination and teamwork.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu recalled that the players had promised to bring home the trophy following their semi-final victory, noting that they had fulfilled their promise through collective determination and belief in their abilities.
He also described the achievement as an inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls aspiring to excel in sports.
“Your victory is an inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls who dream of achieving greatness. You have shown them that with hard work, opportunity and determination, they too can reach the highest levels of achievement,” the President said.
Tinubu particularly commended Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured Nigeria’s victory over Japan, while praising the entire squad for their contribution to the historic campaign.
He also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their roles in the team’s success.
The President further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover and develop their talents.
“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you,” he added.
Nigeria’s victory also made the country the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both the men’s and women’s categories.
The Flamingos secured the title through goals from Bashiru in the 39th minute and Umejiaku in the 47th minute, while Fuki Ito scored Japan’s only goal in the 80th minute.
Despite Japan’s late attempts to level the score, Nigeria held on to secure its first-ever title in the competition.
