Tinubu Celebrates Flamingos After Historic World Cup Triumph

By The Merit Newspaper -Sports Desk

Abuja, Nigeria -November 8, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic 2–1 victory over Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The victory, secured on Saturday, November 7, made Nigeria the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, marking a landmark achievement for Nigerian football and the African continent.

Tinubu described the triumph as a moment of immense national pride, commending the young players for their courage, discipline, determination and commitment throughout the competition.

The President’s congratulatory message followed his return from official engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, where he said he saw the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, closely following the final between Nigeria and Japan.

In his message, Tinubu praised the team for fulfilling its promise to bring the trophy home after defeating Brazil in the semi-final, noting that the players had demonstrated exceptional character and belief in their ability to become world champions.

He said the Flamingos’ achievement went beyond football, describing it as a powerful source of inspiration for millions of Nigerian girls who aspire to excel in sports and other fields of endeavour.

According to the President, the victory has demonstrated that young Nigerian girls can dream big, compete against the best in the world and attain the highest levels of achievement through hard work, determination and opportunity.

Tinubu also acknowledged the contributions of the players, coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission and other stakeholders whose efforts helped the team secure the historic title.

The Flamingos secured the victory through goals from Awawu Bashiru in the 39th minute and Oluebube Umejiaku shortly after the restart in the 47th minute. Japan reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but Nigeria held on to claim the championship.

The Merit Newspaper reports that the triumph represents a significant milestone in African women’s football, as Nigeria became the first African team to lift the trophy since the competition began in 2008.

Tinubu, on behalf of the Federal Government and the Nigerian people, saluted the players as world champions, declaring that their achievement had written a glorious new chapter in the country’s sporting history.

He reaffirmed the nation’s pride in the team, celebrating the young footballers for bringing honour to Nigeria and inspiring a new generation of female athletes.