According to a report by The Punch on Sunday, November 8, 2026, the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup champions, the Nigerian Flamingos, have received praise from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has joined the worldwide celebration of the team's success.

Finalists Morocco's Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 on November 7 at Rabat, Morocco's Mohammed VI Football Academy. When Nigeria won the U-17 Women's World Cup, they became the first African team to ever do so.

On the continent, it serves as a landmark as well. Prior to this, no African women's team had ever achieved the feat of winning a FIFA World Cup trophy.

Shortly after the trophy was presented, Infantino congratulated the young Nigerians, describing the outcome as a historic moment.

Winners of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, Nigeria, deserve our heartfelt congratulations from all of us here in Rabat. I want to congratulate Nigeria on becoming the first ever African team to win the (FIFA) Women's U-17 World Cup. "Deserved it in the final," he remarked.

It was no picnic for the Flamingos on their way to the championship. They were already under early pressure after losing their first match to Poland.

Their response was spectacular, as they won six games in a row to secure the title. Their victory over the defending champions North Korea in the group stage was a turning point that revitalized their tournament.

Nigeria took the lead in the final thanks to a goal by Awawu Bashiru. In the 47th minute, Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the lead just after halftime. This was the game-winning goal, her fourth of the competition.

The Golden Ball was presented to Umejiaku as the tournament's top player in recognition of her outstanding performance throughout the competition.

In the 80th minute, Japan scored a goal back and tried to equalize, but the Flamingos defended their lead and won the trophy.

With this victory, Africa finally has its first FIFA women's world title. This is a proud moment for Nigerian football, as it puts the Flamingos in the company of the world's best players and could motivate young women all over Africa to follow in their footsteps.

Along with the jubilation at home and abroad, the Flamingos have cemented their place in football lore, thanks to the praise of FIFA's president.