President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos for making history as the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup following their thrilling 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco.
President Tinubu, who received the cheering news upon his return from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, described the triumph as a proud moment for Nigeria 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,” the President said in a statement on Saturday issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
He praised the Flamingos for their courage, discipline and determination, recalling how the team had promised after their semi-final victory to bring the trophy home and fulfilled that promise by lifting the title.
According to the President, the historic victory will inspire millions of young Nigerian girls to pursue their dreams, adding that the players had “written your names in gold” and made the entire nation proud.
Tinubu also singled out goal scorers Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku for special commendation, while applauding the entire squad, the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the success. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls.
In a similar message, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said the Flamingos had given the nation “a moment of joy and unity,” congratulating the players for securing Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
Atiku paid tribute to captain Harmony Chidi, Coach Akeem Busari, the technical crew and the entire squad, noting that their achievement demonstrated what Nigerian talent could accomplish when properly nurtured and supported.
He added that the team’s success should inspire more young girls across the country to pursue their dreams with confidence and courage, thanking the Flamingos for making Nigeria proud on the global stage.
With congratulatory messages pouring in from across the country’s political divide, the Flamingos’ historic triumph has united Nigerians in celebration of a team that has etched its name in football history as Africa’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup champions.
