HISTORY IN RABAT: Tinubu Hails Flamingos as Nigeria Conquers World Cup

​ABUJA / RABAT — Nigeria woke up to an unprecedented era of football glory on Sunday following a legendary display by the nation’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, who clinched the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title in Rabat, Morocco.

​In a pulsating and fiercely contested final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex on Saturday, the Nigerian girls overcame powerhouse Japan 2-1 to lift the coveted trophy. The historic victory marks a monumental watershed moment in African sports history, making the Flamingos the very first African team ever to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and securing the first-ever global FIFA trophy at any level for African women’s football.

​President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reacting to the landmark victory upon returning from political campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, led a nationwide outpouring of jubilation, praising the team for etching their names in golden letters.

​A Masterclass in Resilience and Skill

​The championship clash lived up to its billing, showcasing tactical discipline, tenacity, and relentless attacking flair from the West African side:

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• ​The Breakthrough: Forward Awawu Bashiru broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, finding the back of the net to stun the Japanese defense and spark wild celebrations among Nigerian supporters.
• ​Extending the Advantage: Capitalizing on momentum immediately after the second-half whistle, star midfielder Oluebube Umejaiku doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 47th minute with a clinical strike—a performance that ultimately earned her the Player of the Match accolade.
• ​The Late Fightback: Japan mounted a spirited comeback in the closing stages, with substitute Fuki Ito heading home from a corner kick in the 80th minute to narrow the scoreline to 2-1.
• ​Defending the Crown: Despite intense late pressure from the Asian side—including a heart-stopping moment where Japan struck the crossbar—the Flamingos demonstrated immense defensive composure to weather the storm and seal the historic victory.

​”Our Young Girls Have Conquered the World”

​Conveying his delight through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the triumph as a proud milestone for the nation.

​”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,” the President stated.

​Commending the players’ unwavering mindset, President Tinubu noted that the squad personified the resilient Nigerian spirit:

• ​Courage and Discipline: “To our gallant Flamingos, I say congratulations. You have shown courage, discipline, determination and the Nigerian spirit of never giving up.”
• ​Fulfilling a Pledge: Recalling their pre-match resolve, the President added, “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.”
• ​Inspiration for Millions: “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.”

​Broad Commendations and Policy Pledge

​President Tinubu specifically applauded goalscorers Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejaiku, while commending the entire technical crew, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their collaborative efforts in preparing a world-class championship squad.

​Reiterating his administration’s forward-looking sports agenda, the President reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering commitment to heavily investing in grassroots sports development. He emphasized that expanding structured avenues and opportunities for young Nigerians—particularly girls—remains vital to discovering, nurturing, and translating raw talent into global excellence.

​As preparations swing into gear to accord the conquering heroines a rousing homecoming, the nation joins the Commander-in-Chief in celebration: “You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you.”