President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos after they beat Japan 2–1 in Rabat on Saturday to become the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Tinubu singled out goalscorers Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku and said the victory showed young Nigerian girls what they could achieve when given the opportunity.
The president said he received news of the result on his return from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu recalled the pledge he said the players had made after beating Brazil in the semi-finals.
“After your semi-final victory, you promised to bring the trophy home. Today, you have kept that promise,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu had urged the team to carry the same belief into the final that had taken them past Brazil. The Flamingos responded by taking the lead in the 39th minute through Bashiru, who had scored twice in the semi-final. Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage two minutes after half-time, lifting the ball over Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki. Fuki Ito pulled one back in the 80th minute, but Akeem Busari’s side held on.
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Nigeria’s first title came after a campaign that began with a 2–1 defeat to Poland. The Flamingos recovered to beat Puerto Rico and defending champions DPR Korea in the group stage, then knocked out Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil. Their win over Japan was their sixth in succession and took them beyond Nigeria’s previous best finish, a bronze medal in 2022.
While praising Bashiru and Umejiaku for the goals that settled the final, Tinubu credited the entire squad for the way they played together throughout the tournament. He also congratulated the coaching staff, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their roles in the campaign.
The president said his administration would continue investing in grassroots sport and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to develop their talent. He told the players their run in Morocco would inspire girls who aspire to compete at the highest level.
“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you,” Tinubu said.
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