Nigeria’s victorious Flamingos have returned to Abuja after making history by winning their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
The team arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Monday morning, where officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and supporters welcomed them following their historic triumph.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku securing Nigeria’s victory.
The triumph makes Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Head coach Hakeem Busari has described the victory as a product of hard work, character and determination, insisting that the team’s achievement was not accidental.
Speaking after the final, Busari praised his players for their resilience and tactical discipline, particularly against Japan, whom he described as a difficult opponent.
“What we are seeing now is not a fluke. It is about development, it is about character, and it is about fighting from the beginning to really get it right. So we are elated and happy,” he said.
Busari explained that his technical crew studied Japan’s playing style and adjusted their tactics to limit the opponents’ attacking opportunities.
He also expressed optimism that the Flamingos’ success would encourage more African teams to progress further in future editions of the competition.
Before travelling to Morocco for the tournament, the Nigerian side won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, recording five victories from five matches.
They scored 17 goals and conceded just once during the competition.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the team, describing their achievement as a landmark moment for Nigeria and African women’s football.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he was delighted by the team’s historic performance.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He commended the players for their courage, discipline and determination, noting that they had fulfilled their promise to bring the trophy home after their semi-final victory.
The President also applauded Bashiru and Umejiaku for scoring the decisive goals, while praising the entire squad, coaching crew, NFF and National Sports Commission for their contributions.
Tinubu further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and creating more opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to excel in sports.
