# President Tinubu Congratulates Flamingos on Historic U-17 Women's World Cup Win Nigeria's U-17 women's team secures maiden global title with victory over Japan. - **Source:** [Premium Times Nigeria](https://www.premiumtimesng.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/3de12ee3-29ab-436d-b5a8-0715db8f328c ## Historic Maiden Victory Nigeria's U-17 women's national team, the Flamingos, achieved a historic milestone by winning the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. This victory marks the first time an African team has claimed this specific global title. The final match took place in Rabat, Morocco, where the team defeated Japan with a final score of 2-1. ## Presidential Commendation President Bola Tinubu officially congratulated the squad upon his return from political engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States. He praised the players for their courage, discipline, and the quintessential Nigerian spirit of perseverance. The President emphasized that the team successfully fulfilled their promise to bring the prestigious trophy home to Nigeria. ## Key Match Performers The decisive goals that secured the championship were scored by Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku. President Tinubu specifically highlighted their individual contributions while commending the collective teamwork displayed by the entire squad throughout the tournament. Their performance was instrumental in overcoming the Japanese side during the highly competitive final match in Morocco. ## Inspiration for Youth The President noted that this triumph serves as a powerful inspiration for millions of young Nigerian girls. By reaching the pinnacle of international football, the players demonstrated that hard work and determination lead to greatness. This achievement is expected to encourage more young women to pursue sports and fulfill their personal potential. ## Institutional Support Acknowledged Beyond the players, the President extended his congratulations to the coaching staff, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the National Sports Commission. He recognized their strategic contributions and administrative support as vital components of the team's success. These organizations played a key role in preparing the squad for the intense global competition. ## Future Sports Policy President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to investing in grassroots sports development across the nation. The government aims to expand opportunities for young Nigerians to discover and nurture their talents. This policy focus is particularly directed at young girls, ensuring they have the necessary environment to excel in various athletic disciplines. ## Context of African Football This victory represents a significant shift in the landscape of African women's football on the global stage. Historically, European and Asian teams have dominated FIFA youth tournaments. The Flamingos' success provides a new benchmark for African nations, proving that consistent investment and tactical development can bridge the gap with traditional football powerhouses. ## National Pride Impact The win has generated widespread celebration across Nigeria, with the President describing the players as having written their names in gold. As the first African nation to lift this trophy, the Flamingos have elevated the country's sporting profile. This achievement remains a landmark moment for both Nigerian athletics and continental women's sports. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/923609-tinubu-congratulates-flamingos-for-winning-fifa-u-17-womens-world-cup.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._