The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, on their historic 2-1 victory over Japan to emerge champions of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.

In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele described the triumph as a remarkable demonstration of courage, resilience, determination and the Nigerian fighting spirit, noting that the young footballers had etched their names in history by becoming the first Nigerian team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

“I particularly commend Awawu Bashiru, who opened the scoring in the 39th minute, and our prolific Edo Queens FC striker Oluebube Umejiaku, whose 47th-minute goal doubled Nigeria’s advantage and provided the platform for this historic victory,” he said.

“I also applaud the entire squad for their outstanding performances, tactical discipline, teamwork and commitment throughout the competition. Indeed, this achievement marks a defining moment for Nigerian and African women’s football,” Enabulele stated.

He noted that the Flamingos’ triumph represented a significant improvement on their previous best performance, a bronze-medal finish at the 2022 edition hosted by India, while celebrating their groundbreaking achievement as the first African nation to reach the final of a FIFA Women’s World Cup at any level.

Enabulele further highlighted the team’s impressive journey to the title, particularly their resilience in navigating a competitive group stage, which featured a remarkable 3-1 victory over defending champions North Korea.

He also acknowledged the team’s impressive knockout-stage performances, including a 2-1 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16, a hard-fought 1-0 quarter-final win against Venezuela, courtesy of a late penalty converted by captain Azeezat Oduntan, and an emphatic 3-1 semi-final triumph over Brazil to secure their place in the final.

The sports commission boss also praised the technical crew, led by Coach Akeem Busari, for their dedication, tactical input and commitment to nurturing young talents, stressing that the victory further reinforces the importance of sustained investment in grassroots sports development and women’s football.

He noted that the Flamingos’ historic accomplishment would serve as a source of inspiration to a new generation of female footballers across Nigeria, particularly aspiring players in Edo State, encouraging them to believe in their abilities, pursue excellence, and aspire to international recognition.