According to a report by The Punch on Sunday, November 8, 2026, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has joined the global celebration of Nigeria's Flamingos, praising the team's "well deserved" victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

The Flamingos beat Japan 2-1 in the final on Saturday, November 7, at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Rabat, Morocco. The win made Nigeria the first African team to lift the U-17 Women's World Cup.

It is also a landmark for the continent. No African women's team had ever won a FIFA World Cup title at any level until now.

Infantino congratulated the young Nigerians shortly after the trophy presentation, calling the result a moment of history.

"Congratulations to Nigeria, world champion U-17 Women's World Cup of FIFA here in Rabat. First African team to ever win a (FIFA) Women's U-17 World Cup, so many congratulations to Nigeria. Well deserved in the final," he said.

The Flamingos' run to the title was far from straightforward. They lost their opening match to Poland, a result that put early pressure on their campaign.

They responded in style, winning six consecutive games to claim the crown. A key moment was their group-stage win over defending champions North Korea, which revived their tournament.

In the final, Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead. Oluebube Umejiaku doubled it shortly after the restart with a 47th-minute strike. It was her fourth goal of the tournament and proved decisive.

Umejiaku's performances throughout the competition earned her the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

Japan pulled one back in the 80th minute and pushed for an equaliser, but the Flamingos held firm to protect their lead and secure the trophy.

The triumph ends Africa's long wait for a FIFA women's world title. For Nigerian football, it is a proud moment that places the Flamingos among the game's global elite and may inspire a new generation of girls across the continent.

With the praise of FIFA's president now added to the celebrations at home and abroad, the Flamingos have firmly written their names into football history.