Nigeria’s victorious Flamingos have arrived in Abuja following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The team touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the early hours of Monday, where officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and supporters gathered to welcome the champions.
The Flamingos made history on Saturday after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final to claim their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scored the goals that secured Nigeria’s victory, making the country the first African nation to win the competition.
The triumph marks a major milestone for Nigerian women’s football and further establishes the Flamingos as one of the continent’s leading youth teams.
Before their campaign in Morocco, the Nigerian side won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, recording five victories in five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.
Head coach Hakeem Busari described the World Cup success as the product of years of development, resilience and discipline, insisting that the achievement was not accidental.
“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.
Busari also praised his players for their tactical discipline and collective effort in overcoming Japan, noting that the final required careful game management and effective defending.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Flamingos for becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
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According to a statement issued 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, noting that it demonstrated how 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 Bashiru and Umejiaku, whose goals secured the historic victory, while commending the entire squad for their teamwork throughout the competition.
Tinubu also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the team’s success.
He 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.