President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos after they defeated Japan 2-1 to become the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Tinubu described the team’s victory in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco, as a landmark achievement for Nigeria and African women’s football.

In a statement on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he received the news upon his return from campaign 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,” he said.

Tinubu praised the players for their determination and discipline, noting that they had fulfilled their promise to win the trophy after defeating Brazil in the semi-final.

“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,” the statement quoted him as saying.

The President said the victory would inspire young Nigerian girls to pursue their ambitions, adding that the team had demonstrated what could be achieved through hard work and determination.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu also commended Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured Nigeria’s victory, as well as the entire squad for their teamwork throughout the tournament.

He congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the team’s success.

The President further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and creating more opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover and develop their talents.

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