Nigeria’s Flamingos have turned a promise into history. With a stirring 2–1 victory over Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, the young Nigerian side became the first African team ever to lift the trophy, prompting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to hail them as world conquerors.
Under the lights in Rabat, the Flamingos faced a formidable Japanese side and refused to blink. Their 2–1 win at the Mohammed VI Football Complex secured Nigeria’s first title in the competition and etched the team’s name into continental sporting history.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino captured the magnitude of the achievement moments after the final whistle: “Congratulations to Nigeria, world champion U-17 Women’s World Cup of FIFA here in Rabat. First African team to ever win a (FIFA) Women’s U-17 World Cup, so many congratulations to Nigeria. Well deserved in the final.”
For a country that has long produced gifted female footballers, this was more than a trophy. It was a declaration that Nigerian girls can stand at the very summit of world football, and win, FIFA also said
Tinubu’s tribute: ‘Our young girls have conquered the world’
President Tinubu learned of the triumph shortly after returning from official engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, where First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu had been closely following the final against Japan.
In a message filled with pride and emotion, the President wrote:
“What wonderful news to return home to, and what a proud moment for Nigeria!
“As First Lady Oluremi Senator Oluremi Tinubu and I returned from engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States this evening, I saw her keenly watching the Flamingos’ World Cup final against Japan.
“What a joy to see our girls defeat Japan 2–1 and become the first African team to lift the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.
“Our young girls have conquered the world, made history and brought immense honour to Nigeria and the African continent.
“I followed your remarkable journey throughout the tournament in Morocco, and I remember your promise after the semi-final victory to bring the trophy home. Today, you have kept that promise with courage, discipline and unwavering belief in yourselves.
“Your triumph goes far beyond football. Millions of young Nigerian girls will look at what you have achieved and know that they, too, can dream big, compete with the best and reach the pinnacle of their chosen fields.
“I congratulate every member of this exceptional team, the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission and everyone who contributed to this historic achievement.
“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I salute our world champions. You have written a glorious new chapter in our nation’s sporting history.
“Nigeria celebrates you. I celebrate you.”
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
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