President Bola Tinubu has hailed Nigeria’s Flamingos as world champions after they became the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, beating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the news greeted him on his return from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States.
He described Nigeria’s maiden triumph as a proud moment for the nation and a landmark achievement for African women’s football.
“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.
Addressing the players directly, according to the statement, he praised their courage, discipline, determination and the Nigerian spirit of never giving up.
He said he had followed their journey through the tournament, and recalled that after their semi-final win they promised to bring the trophy home.
“Today, you have kept that promise. You believed in yourselves, fought for one another and carried our nation’s flag to the very top of the world,” he said.
The President said the victory would inspire millions of young Nigerian girls who dream of greatness, showing them that hard work, opportunity and determination can take them to the highest levels of achievement.
“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you,” he added.
Tinubu singled out Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured the historic win, and commended the entire squad for exceptional teamwork throughout the competition.
He also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the team’s success.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in grassroots sports development and widening opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover, nurture and fulfil their potential.
“Congratulations once again, Flamingos. Thank you for making Nigeria proud,” he said.
