Nigeria football legend Nwankwo Kanu has hailed the Flamingos for their 2026 FIFA U-17 women’s World Cup success, describing it as an inspiration to generations of young girls.

Reacting after the Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in the final on Saturday, Kanu wrote on his X handle:KAN U believe it! 🇳🇬🏆.

“History made! Congratulations to our incredible Flamingos on becoming the first Nigerian U-17 women’s team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. What an extraordinary achievement!

“You have made Nigeria proud, inspired a generation of young girls.”

Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku secured the hard fought win for the Flamingos, who are now the first African side to be crowned U-17 world champions.

The coach Akeem Busari led side got their campaign off to a poor start following a 2-1 loss to Poland, but bounced back with wins against Puerto Rico and North Korea to advance to the knockout round.

Prior to facing the Flamingos, Japan had beaten Zambia (5-0), Kenya (3-1) and Ghana (1-0).