Victorious Flamingos landed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday morning after their win at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Saturday.
The team won their first FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup title after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku securing the historic victory.
The Flamingos became the first African team to win the competition, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku securing the historic victory.
Officials of the Nigeria Football Federation and some supporters received the victorious Flamingos, who landed in the early hours of the day, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The triumph is another landmark for a team that had already established itself as one of Africa’s leading sides at the age-grade level.
Before travelling to Morocco, the Flamingos won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, recording five victories from five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.
‘Victory Not A Fluke’
Flamingos head coach Hakeem Busari has praised his players for their resilience and tactical discipline after their impressive campaign at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, while expressing optimism about African football’s future.
Busari, in a post-match interview, said the performance of African teams at the tournament reflected growing quality, character and competitiveness, despite the challenges posed by strong opposition.
The Flamingos became the first African team to win the competition, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku securing the historic victory.
He noted that the Flamingos had competed in a difficult group that included the defending champions, adding that the experience demonstrated the progress being made in African women’s youth football.
“What we are seeing now is not a fluke. It is about development, it is about character, and it is about fighting from the beginning to really get it right. So we are elated and happy,” he said.
The coach also expressed hope that more African teams would progress beyond the knockout stages in future editions of the competition and eventually reach the final.
Reflecting on the Flamingos’ encounter with Japan, Busari explained that his technical crew had identified the Japanese team’s strength in winning second balls and exploiting spaces behind defensive lines.
He said the team adjusted its approach to limit Japan’s attacking opportunities, particularly by directing long balls into spaces rather than areas where the opposition could easily gain possession.
Busari explained that the Flamingos initially sought to score early before adopting a more cautious approach after taking the lead, but Japan eventually found an equaliser through a set-piece situation.
He described the encounter as a tactical contest that required collective defending, discipline and effective game management.
Tinubu Congratulates Team
President Bola Tinubu congratulated the team for becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
According to a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, the President received the news upon his return from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States.
Tinubu described Nigeria’s maiden triumph as a proud moment for the country and a landmark achievement for African women’s football.
“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.
“To our gallant Flamingos, I say congratulations. You have shown courage, discipline, determination and the Nigerian spirit of never giving up.
“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,” the President said.
He described the team’s victory as an inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls, saying it had demonstrated that hard work, opportunity and determination could help them achieve greatness.
“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you,” he added.
The President particularly applauded Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured the historic victory, while commending the entire squad for their teamwork throughout the tournament.
He 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 investing in grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover, nurture and fulfil their potential.
“Congratulations once again, Flamingos. Thank you for making Nigeria proud,” he said.
