A 2–1 victory over Japan in Rabat gave Nigeria its first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title and made the Flamingos the first African team to win the tournament.
Abdul Gafarl
ABUJA, November 9, 2026
Nigeria’s Flamingos have become the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after beating Japan 2–1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco. The historic result prompted congratulations from President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The triumph, secured by goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, capped a campaign in which Nigeria recovered from an opening defeat to Poland and went on to win five consecutive matches. The achievement also placed renewed attention on the development of women’s football and the opportunities available to young Nigerian athletes.
Two goals deliver Nigeria’s historic title
Bashiru put Nigeria ahead in the 39th minute, and Umejiaku doubled the lead shortly after the restart, scoring in the 47th minute. Japan’s Fuki Ito pulled a goal back in the 80th minute, setting up a tense finish, but the Flamingos held on to secure the title.
Nigeria’s route to the final included victories over defending champions North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil, following the team’s opening loss to Poland. The recovery turned a difficult start into a run of results that ended with Nigeria lifting the trophy for the first time.
The win marks a milestone for Nigerian and African women’s football: Nigeria is the first African nation to claim the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Tinubu praises the squad’s resilience
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu called the result a proud moment for Nigeria. He said the players had shown courage, discipline and determination, and credited them with fulfilling their promise to bring the trophy home.
“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.
The President said he had followed the team’s progress, including its semi-final victory, after which the players had pledged to win the title. He singled out Bashiru and Umejiaku for their goals and also praised the squad, coaching crew, Nigeria Football Federation and National Sports Commission.
Tinubu said the achievement could inspire girls aspiring to succeed in sport and other fields. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians.
Celebrations extended beyond official statements. A video from the residence of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu showed her singing and dancing while seated as she celebrated the team’s victory.
Akpabio calls the players ‘Golden Girls’
Akpabio described the Flamingos as Nigeria’s “Golden Girls” and said the result was significant for the entire continent. In a congratulatory message issued by his Media Office and signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, he praised the players’ talent, teamwork and discipline.
“You have not only won a trophy; you have won the hearts of millions of Nigerians and inspired a generation of young girls to dream big, believe in themselves and reach for greatness,” Akpabio said.
He congratulated the players, coaches and technical crew, saying their achievement showed what could be accomplished through hard work and belief.
Obi and Okpebholo highlight youth potential
Obi, a former Anambra State governor and NDC presidential candidate, congratulated the team in a post on X. He said the players’ resilience, discipline and dedication had earned them a special place in Nigerians’ hearts.
“Thank you for raising our flag high and bringing immense joy to our nation,” Obi wrote, adding that the victory demonstrated the potential of young Nigerians when given opportunities to develop their talents.
Okpebholo also praised the team for overcoming formidable opponents and showing courage, teamwork and determination. The Edo governor commended the coaches, technical crew and support staff, and said the victory reflected the potential of women’s football in Nigeria.
He urged the players to remain worthy ambassadors of the country and said the people of Edo State would continue to support them. He also congratulated the NFF and Nigerians, expressing hope that the title would lead to further success for the country’s young female players.
A landmark—and a test of lasting support
The congratulations have underscored the national significance of the win. But the achievement also raises a longer-term question: whether the attention generated by the title will translate into sustained support for girls’ football, from grassroots programmes to opportunities for players to continue developing.
Tinubu’s statement pointed to grassroots development and improved access as priorities. The Flamingos’ campaign has demonstrated what the team can achieve on the international stage; maintaining pathways for young players will be important if the victory is to become part of a lasting record of progress.
Nigeria’s 2–1 victory over Japan has given the Flamingos a place in history as the first African champions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. As the country celebrates the players, coaches and support staff, the challenge ahead is to build on their achievement and ensure that more girls have the opportunity to pursue football at the highest level.
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