Nigeria’s Flamingos returned to Abuja on Monday as world champions, days after making history by winning the country’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title in Morocco.
The young Nigerians defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage two minutes into the second half.
Japan pulled one back through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but the Flamingos held on to secure the historic victory.
The team’s arrival in Abuja marked the first homecoming for the players since they claimed the global age-grade title and ended a remarkable campaign that established Nigeria at the summit of the competition for the first time.
Umejiaku was also named the tournament’s best player, receiving the Golden Ball after playing a decisive role in Nigeria’s championship campaign.
Busari: victory was no fluke
Head coach Hakeem Busari attributed the triumph to development, character, discipline and the players’ determination to compete against some of the world’s strongest youth teams.
Busari said the performances of African sides at the tournament demonstrated growing quality and competitiveness on the continent, adding that Nigeria’s success should encourage more African countries to challenge for honours at future editions.
“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.
He noted that the Flamingos had also navigated a difficult group-stage campaign that included the defending champions before progressing through the knockout rounds.
Reflecting on the final, Busari said his technical crew had identified Japan’s ability to win second balls and exploit spaces behind defensive lines as major threats.
According to him, Nigeria adjusted its approach by directing long passes into open spaces where Japan would find it harder to regain possession.
The coach said the Flamingos initially sought an early goal but became more cautious after taking the lead.
Japan eventually reduced the deficit through a set-piece, forcing Nigeria to rely on collective defending, tactical discipline and effective game management.
The world title capped an impressive run for the Flamingos, who had earlier won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire with a perfect five-win record.
They scored 17 goals and conceded just once in that competition.
Tinubu celebrates historic achievement
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Flamingos, describing their victory as a moment of national pride and a landmark achievement for African women’s football.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said he received the news after returning from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu praised the players for their courage, discipline, determination and fighting spirit, noting that they had fulfilled their promise to bring the trophy home after reaching the semi-final.
He said the victory would inspire millions of Nigerian girls by demonstrating what could be achieved through hard work, opportunity and determination.
The President specifically commended Bashiru and Umejiaku for their decisive goals and praised the entire squad for its teamwork.
He also congratulated the coaching crew, Nigeria Football Federation and National Sports Commission for their contributions to the historic campaign.
Tinubu further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and creating opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover and develop their talents.
Nigeria’s triumph has now given African women’s football its first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title, with the Flamingos returning home carrying a trophy that represents a landmark achievement for both the country and the continent.
