President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic 2-1 victory over Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The victory, secured on Saturday in Rabat, made Nigeria the first African country to win the women’s U-17 World Cup since the competition began in 2008.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the triumph as a proud moment for the country and a landmark achievement for African women’s football.

The President said he received the news upon returning from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu praised the players for their courage, discipline and determination, noting that they had fulfilled their promise to bring the trophy home after qualifying for the final.

He said he had followed the team’s progress throughout the competition and described their achievement as an inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls aspiring to excel in sports.

The President particularly commended Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured Nigeria’s victory, while applauding the entire squad for their teamwork throughout the tournament.

Nigeria took the lead in the 39th minute through Bashiru before Umejiaku doubled the advantage two minutes into the second half.

Japan reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito but could not find an equaliser as the Flamingos held on to secure the title.

Tinubu also congratulated the team’s coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the historic campaign.

He said the victory had demonstrated what young Nigerians could achieve through hard work, opportunity and determination.

The President further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover and develop their talents.

The triumph represents Nigeria’s first title in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the country’s latest achievement in youth football, following the Golden Eaglets’ five victories in the men’s U-17 competition.

The Flamingos also became the first team in the history of the women’s tournament to lose their opening match and go on to win the title, having suffered a 2-1 defeat to Poland in the group stage.

Nigeria’s victory over Japan therefore marks a historic milestone for the country and African women’s football.