Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, returned to Abuja on Monday, 9 November 2026, following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, where they defeated Japan 2-1 to become the first African nation to win the competition.
The victorious players arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the early hours of Monday and were received by officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and supporters, marking the homecoming of a team whose achievement has brought renewed attention to women’s football in Nigeria.
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The Flamingos secured the historic title on Saturday, 7 November, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, with Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scoring either side of half-time to give Nigeria a commanding advantage.
Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a long-range effort before Umejiaku doubled the lead two minutes into the second half, finishing a move initiated by Esther Stephen.
Japan responded through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute and mounted late pressure in search of an equaliser.
However, the Nigerian side maintained its defensive discipline to preserve the 2-1 advantage until the final whistle.
The victory represented Nigeria’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title and made the country the first African nation to win the competition. It also marked the first time an African women’s national team had won a FIFA World Cup title at any level.
Beyond the collective achievement, Umejiaku emerged as one of the tournament’s outstanding performers, winning the adidas Golden Ball as the competition’s best player.
The forward scored four goals during the tournament, including the decisive strike in the final, while also receiving the Player of the Match award against Japan.
Her recognition added another memorable moment to Nigeria’s campaign, although the United States’ Maddie DiMaria claimed the Golden Boot with 12 goals.
The Flamingos’ success followed an impressive run of performances in Morocco, particularly after a difficult opening encounter in which Nigeria lost 2-1 to Poland.
Rather than allowing the setback to derail their campaign, the team responded with six consecutive victories, including wins over defending champions DPR Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil before overcoming Japan in the final.
The achievement also came after Nigeria’s success at the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, where the Flamingos recorded five victories from five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.
Head coach Hakeem Busari described the World Cup triumph as the product of sustained development, character and determination rather than an isolated achievement.
Speaking after the final, Busari said the team’s performance reflected the growing quality of African football and expressed optimism about the future of the women’s game on the continent.
“What we are seeing now is not a fluke. It is about development, it is about character, and it is about fighting from the beginning to really get it right. So we are elated and happy,” he said.
Busari also highlighted the tactical adjustments made by his technical crew against Japan, explaining that the team had identified the opponents’ strength in winning second balls and exploiting spaces behind defensive lines.
He said the Flamingos adapted their approach to limit Japan’s attacking opportunities, particularly after establishing a two-goal lead.
The victory attracted congratulatory messages from prominent football figures and Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who described the achievement as a proud moment for the country and an inspiration to young girls.
In a statement issued on Sunday, 8 November, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the players for their courage, discipline and determination throughout the competition.
“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 said.
Tinubu also commended Bashiru and Umejiaku for their decisive contributions, while acknowledging the efforts of the coaching crew, the NFF and the National Sports Commission.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and creating more opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to pursue their sporting ambitions.
The Flamingos’ return to Abuja therefore represents more than the conclusion of a successful international campaign.
It marks a significant breakthrough for Nigerian and African women’s football, offering a powerful reminder of what sustained development, opportunity and collective determination can achieve.
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For a continent that had waited for its first winner of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Nigeria’s triumph has opened a new chapter in the competition’s history.
