President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos for making history as the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, following their 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco.

The President, who received the news upon his return from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, described Nigeria’s maiden triumph as a proud moment for the country and a landmark achievement for African women’s football.

In a congratulatory message, Tinubu expressed excitement over the victory, praising the players for their courage, discipline, determination and resilience throughout the tournament.

“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.

Addressing the players, the President said they had fulfilled their promise to bring the trophy home after their semi-final victory, adding that their success demonstrated the value of teamwork, self-belief and perseverance.

“To our gallant Flamingos, I say congratulations. You have shown courage, discipline, determination and the Nigerian spirit of never giving up.

“I followed your journey throughout this tournament, and after your semi-final victory, you promised to bring the trophy home. Today, you have kept that promise. You believed in yourselves, fought for one another and carried our nation’s flag to the very top of the world,” Tinubu said.

He said the victory would inspire millions of young Nigerian girls who aspire to achieve greatness, demonstrating that hard work, opportunity and determination could take them to the highest levels of success.

“Your victory is an inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls who dream of achieving greatness. You have shown them that with hard work, opportunity and determination, they too can reach the highest levels of achievement.

“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you,” he added.

Tinubu particularly commended Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured Nigeria’s historic victory over Japan, while praising the entire squad for its teamwork throughout the competition.

He also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their contributions to the team’s achievement.

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

“Congratulations once again, Flamingos. Thank you for making Nigeria proud,” he said.