President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his warm congratulations to Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their 2–1 victory against Japan in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final in Morocco.

In a statement released on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu lauded the squad’s resilience after receiving the news upon his return from political engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.

“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,” President Tinubu said.

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

The president noted that he had monitored the team’s progression in Morocco, recalling that the players pledged to bring the trophy home following their semi-final victory.

“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,” he added.

President Tinubu highlighted the landmark nature of the victory for African women’s football, expressing confidence that it would inspire millions of young Nigerian girls to pursue their aspirations.

He reserved praise for goalscorers Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku while commending the entire squad, head coach Akeem Busari, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the National Sports Commission.

The celebration was echoed within the First Family, as First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu was seen passionately cheering on the Flamingos from her residence during the closing stages of the final in Rabat.

Meanwhile, Oluebube Umejiaku has spoken about Nigeria’s memorable victory over Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Akeem Busari’s side secured their maiden title in the competition after defeating Japan 2-1 in an exciting final.

The victory marked a historic achievement for the Nigerian side, who became the first team to lose their opening match of the tournament and still emerge as champions.

Umejiaku played a crucial role in the final, earning the Player of the Match award after finding the back of the net for Nigeria’s second goal.

The forward’s strike came after Awawu Bashiru had opened the scoring before half-time.

Umejiaku expressed her happiness with the team’s achievement while acknowledging the influence of the coaching staff in motivating the players throughout the encounter.

“I feel good; I feel very happy. I thank God for everything. It was very difficult for us, but the instructions of the coaches made us put our heads up and just take everything as it comes,” Umejiaku told FIFA.

“We didn’t have to push for the goals just to keep ourselves up, and we needed to encourage ourselves on the field of play.”

The youngster also enjoyed an outstanding individual campaign, finishing with four goals and two assists in seven matches to claim the tournament’s Golden Ball award.

Packaged by Lanre Olabisi