FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, describing their achievement as a “glorious new chapter in world football.”
The Nigerian youngsters made history on Saturday after defeating Japan 2-1 in a thrilling final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, to become the first African nation to win the competition.
Reacting to the achievement, Infantino took to his official Instagram account to celebrate the team, praising their historic accomplishment and the joy they had brought to millions of Nigerians.
“History made in Rabat! Congratulations to Nigeria on winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026!”
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“By becoming the first African nation to lift this trophy, you have written a glorious new chapter in world football and brought immense joy to your football-loving country.”
“Well done to Japan on a fantastic tournament and playing their part in a brilliant final,” Infantino wrote.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku secured the victory for Akeem Busari’s side, while Fuki Ito scored Japan’s only goal in the 80th minute.
The triumph capped an impressive campaign for the Flamingos, who bounced back from a 2-1 opening-game defeat to Poland to record six consecutive victories on their way to the title.
Nigeria defeated Puerto Rico 2-0 and defending champions North Korea 3-1 in the group stage before overcoming Mexico 2-1 in the round of 16 and Venezuela 1-0 in the quarterfinals.
They subsequently produced an impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in the semifinals to become the first African team to reach the final before completing their historic campaign with victory over Japan.
The achievement marks Nigeria’s first-ever U-17 Women’s World Cup title and a significant milestone for African women’s football.
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