According to a report by Vanguard on Saturday, November 7, 2026, President Bola Tinubu has praised Nigeria’s Flamingos after their victory over Japan secured the country’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.

The 2-1 result in Rabat, Morocco, marked a historic achievement for Nigeria and made the country the first African nation to win the tournament. The triumph also placed the young team at the centre of celebrations over a major milestone for women’s football on the continent.

Tinubu said the players’ performance had given Nigerians a fresh reason to take pride in their country. “Our young girls have conquered the world and given Nigerians everywhere another reason to celebrate our great country.”

The President received news of the final after returning from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states. He commended the squad for the discipline, determination and unity they displayed during the competition, describing their success as an important moment for Nigerian sports.

Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku received particular recognition from Tinubu after scoring the goals that delivered the championship. He also praised the contributions of the other players, stressing the collective effort behind the team's achievement rather than focusing only on the match-winners.

The President extended his commendation to the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission. Their work, he said, had helped prepare the team for the tournament and contributed to the outcome.

Beyond the trophy, Tinubu pointed to the example the Flamingos could set for girls across Nigeria who hope to pursue sporting careers. Their achievement, he said, demonstrated what young people could accomplish through hard work, determination and access to opportunities.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and to expanding pathways for young Nigerians, especially girls, to identify and build their abilities.

Tinubu congratulated the squad for winning the competition for the first time and bringing international recognition to Nigeria. The victory represents a significant breakthrough for the country’s youth football programme and a landmark for African participation in the tournament. The win could inspire girls to pursue football and believe in their abilities.