First Lady Remi Tinubu celebrates Nigeria’s Flamingos after their historic 2-1 victory over Japan made them the first African FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup champions
Remi Tinubu Celebrates Flamingos After Historic U-17 Women’s World Cup Victory
By Newsheadline247
Nigeria’s Flamingos have received congratulatory messages from First Lady Oluremi Tinubu following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, where they defeated Japan 2-1 to become the first African nation to win the competition.
The Nigerian girls secured the historic title on Saturday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku handing them victory over their Japanese opponents.
Reacting to the achievement, Mrs Tinubu said the team’s remarkable comeback from an opening defeat demonstrated resilience, determination and the fighting spirit of Nigerian athletes.
In her congratulatory message, the First Lady said she was delighted to join Nigerians in celebrating the victory, which had placed the country and Africa on top of women’s football.
“Your path to victory was not an easy one. You shrugged off your shaky start and took on the world, winning six matches in a row on your way to the golden trophy, confirming what others already know – that Nigerians are world beaters,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu also commended the players, head coach Akeem Busari and the technical crew for their teamwork, dedication and commitment throughout the tournament.
“Through your team spirit, dedication and hard work, Nigeria is again the toast of the world,” she added.
The Flamingos’ historic campaign began with a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group match. However, the team recovered impressively, recording six consecutive victories to claim their maiden world title.
They defeated Puerto Rico 2-0 before recording a 3-1 victory over defending champions Korea DPR to strengthen their position in the competition.
Nigeria subsequently overcame Mexico 2-1 in the round of 16 before edging Venezuela in the quarter-finals, with Azeezat Oduntan scoring the decisive penalty in the 89th minute.
The team continued its impressive run with a commanding 3-1 victory over Brazil in the semi-finals, securing Nigeria’s first-ever appearance in the tournament’s final.
Against Japan, Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage shortly after the restart, finding the net in the 47th minute.
Japan mounted a late challenge when Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, but the Flamingos held their nerve to preserve their lead and seal the historic 2-1 victory.
The triumph represents a major milestone for Nigerian and African women’s football, as no African country had previously won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
It also surpasses Nigeria’s previous best performance at the tournament, when the Flamingos finished third in the 2022 edition in India.
For Japan, the defeat ended their hopes of securing a second title. The Asian side previously won the competition in 2014 and finished runners-up in 2010 and 2016. With their victory in Morocco, the Flamingos have written a new chapter in African football history, becoming the first African champions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
