President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent his congratulations to the Flamingos of Nigeria after winning the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 on Saturday in Morocco.
The President described the news of the victory as “wonderful”, and said, Nigeria’s “young” girls have “conquered” the world and presented to Nigerians another reason to celebrate.
It was a historic victory for Nigeria as it was the first ever title won by the country at the age category. Also, Nigeria has emerged the first country in Africa to clinch this achievement.
The Flamingos of Nigeria defeated the Little Nadeshiko of Japan 2-1 in the final on Saturday 7 November, 2026 in the Capital of Morocco, Rabat.
In a Statehouse Press Release on Saturday 7 November, 2026, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the President described the Flamingos as “gallant”, saying, they displayed “courage” and the “Nigerian spirit” that never gives up to emerge Champions of the World.
The SHPR titled ‘President Tinubu congratulates Flamingos on historic FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Victory’, reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos for making history as the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup following their 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco.
“”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.”
The President said, he “followed” the Flamingos from the commencement of the tournament, and, praised them for keeping to their “promise” of bringing home the trophy.
He described the victory as an “inspiration” to juvenile Nigerian girls who have the “dream” of clinching “greatness”; he said, these girls should emulate the “hard work and determination” of the Flamingos
The SHPR reads: “”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.
“”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.
“”Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you.””
The Press Release also revealed, the President hailed Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku for the the two (2) goals scored for Nigeria in the final, as those goals handed the West African nation the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup trophy for the first time in their history.
The Coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the National Sports Commission (NSC) also received commendation from the President as he reassured his administration’s commitment to investing in grassroots sports development.
The SHPR further reads: “The President particularly applauds Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured the historic victory, while commending the entire squad for their exceptional teamwork throughout the tournament.
“He also congratulates the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the team’s success.
“President Tinubu reaffirms 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.”
