Get Guardian on GooglePresident Bola Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s Flamingos to go ahead and win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Tinubu said this on Thursday in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, with the President also congratulating Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, on their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final.
The Nigerian girls scored three goals before Brazil netted an 89th minute consolation strike at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
Queen Joseph scored to give Nigeria a 1–0 lead in the 56th minute. Awawu Bashiru doubled Nigeria’s advantage to 2–0 in the 71st minute. The Nigerian girls extended their lead to 3–0 in the 86th minute.
Brazil pulled a late goal back to make it 3–1, but Nigeria sealed the historic win to advance to their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final.
Nigeria will now meet Japan in the final. This comes after Japan defeated North Korea 4-1 via a penalty shootout on Wednesday after their semi-final encounter ended 1-1 after normal time.
Reacting, President Tinubu described the team’s qualification for the final as a remarkable achievement that has brought immense pride and joy to millions of Nigerians at home and abroad.
He also applauded the coaching crew and all those whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
As the Flamingos prepare to face Japan in the final, Tinubu urged the players to remain focused, confident, and determined, assuring them of the prayers, goodwill, and unflinching support of the Nigerian nation.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” Tinubu said.
“I call on all Nigerians to rally behind the young ambassadors of the nation, whose achievements continue to showcase Nigeria’s sporting excellence and inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams uninhibited. Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!.”
