Tinubu Hails Flamingos After Historic U-17 World Cup Triumph

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s under-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, after they defeated Japan 2-1 to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday.

The victory makes the Flamingos the first African team to win the tournament, securing Nigeria’s maiden title in the competition and marking a historic achievement for women’s football on the continent.

Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said he received the news upon returning from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.

The president described the triumph as a proud moment for Nigeria and praised the players for their courage, discipline, determination and teamwork throughout the tournament.

“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.

He said he had followed the team’s progress throughout the competition and recalled that the players had promised to bring home the trophy after defeating their semi-final opponents.

According to the president, the team fulfilled that promise by believing in themselves, supporting one another and carrying Nigeria’s flag to the top of the competition.

Tinubu also said the victory would inspire millions of young Nigerian girls who aspire to compete and succeed at the highest levels of sport.

He specifically praised Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured the 2-1 victory over Japan, while commending the entire squad for its performance.

The president also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the team's success.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover and develop their sporting abilities.

The Flamingos' triumph gives Nigeria a historic first title in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and makes the country the first African nation to win the competition.