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…Says victory over Japan marks new chapter for African women’s football
…Commends Awawu Bashiru, Umejiaku, coaching crew for historic achievement
President Bola Tinubu has hailed Nigeria’s Flamingos for making history as the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, describing their triumph as a defining moment for Nigerian sports and a landmark achievement for African football.
The Flamingos clinched the historic title on Saturday after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final played in Rabat, Morocco, ending Africa’s long wait for the global youth women’s football crown.
In a congratulatory message issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the victory was a source of national pride and fresh inspiration to young Nigerians, particularly girls aspiring to excel in sports.
Tinubu, who received news of the triumph upon his return from official engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, said the young players had demonstrated courage, discipline, determination and the resilience associated with the Nigerian spirit.
“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.
The President recalled that the team had pledged to win the trophy following their semi-final victory, commending the players for fulfilling their promise through determination, collective effort and unwavering belief in their abilities.
According to him, the achievement has placed the players in the nation’s sporting history and demonstrated that Nigerian girls can compete and excel at the highest level when given the necessary opportunities and support.
Tinubu particularly applauded Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured the victory against Japan, while praising the entire squad for the teamwork and commitment that propelled Nigeria to the title.
He also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission for their respective contributions to the team’s historic campaign.
The President said the triumph would inspire millions of young Nigerian girls to pursue their ambitions, stressing that hard work, opportunity and determination could open doors to the highest levels of achievement.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening grassroots sports development and creating more opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover, develop and realise their potential.
“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you,” Tinubu said.
He urged the Flamingos to sustain the winning spirit, describing their achievement as a moment that would remain a source of inspiration and national pride.
“Congratulations once again, Flamingos. Thank you for making Nigeria proud.”
Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final.
The Nigerian girls produced a determined performance to overcome their Japanese opponents and secure the historic title.
Awawu opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a long-range effort after Japan’s goalkeeper spilled the ball into her own net.
The Flamingos doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half when Oluebube Umejiaku found the net to give Nigeria a commanding 2-0 lead.
Japan refused to surrender, however, as midfielder Fuki Ito capitalised on a rebound to reduce the deficit 10 minutes before the end of regulation time, setting up a tense finish.
Despite Japan’s late pressure, the Flamingos held on to their advantage to seal a memorable victory and claim Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup crown.
However, the Flamingos held on tight to the lead to the blast of the final whistle to emerge as the new FIFA Under-17 Women’s Champions.
The Flamingos made history by becoming the first African team to win the competition since its inception in 2008.
Nigeria also became the first African country to win both the FIFA Under-17 Men’s and Women’s World Cups.
The 16-year-old scored against North Korea, Mexico, and Japan and provided assists in the matches against Puerto-Rico and Brazil to cap a brilliant individual outing.
