Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria president Dr Nasiru Gawuna has praised Nigeria’s Flamingoes after the junior women’s national team reached the final of the FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup in Morocco.

The side coached by Akeem Busari secured a 3-1 win over Brazil on Wednesday night, booking Nigeria’s first-ever place in the competition’s final. Gawuna said the players had earned recognition for making the country proud.

Quick facts

• Nigeria defeated Brazil 3-1 in Wednesday night’s semi-final.
• The Flamingoes have reached the FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup final for the first time.
• They will face Japan in Saturday’s final in Morocco.
• Gawuna urged the team to stay focused and return home with the trophy.

Gawuna, a former deputy governor of Kano State, said the result underlined the value of sustained grassroots football development, an area promoted by YSFON. He believes proper investment at youth level can help Nigeria become a major force in world football.

“I am very excited by what the girls have done,” Gawuna said. “They have demonstrated that Nigeria has a huge pool of talented athletes capable of excelling globally in every sport. That is the vision YSFON has pursued for many years.”

The YSFON chief, who is also the NDC candidate for Kano Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general election, warned the Flamingoes not to let the Brazil victory distract them ahead of the title match.

“My message is that they must not become complacent after beating Brazil,” he said. “They should give everything on Saturday, beat Japan and bring the prized trophy back home.”

He added that Japan are a strong opponent in women’s football and said Nigeria must approach the Asian side with full concentration. Gawuna wished the Flamingoes success as they prepare for Saturday’s final.