‘Nigeria is proud of you’ – Tinubu hails Flamingos’s historic World Cup feat

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The President also expressed confidence that the team can defeat Japan in Saturday’s final and win the country’s first title in the competition.

The Flamingos booked their place in the final after defeating Brazil 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.

Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute before Awawu Bashiru struck twice in the 71st and 80th minutes to give Nigeria a commanding advantage. Brazil’s Greise Kelly scored a late consolation in the 89th minute.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Mr Tinubu described the qualification as a remarkable achievement that had brought pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.

He also commended the team’s coaching crew and others whose contributions supported the Flamingos’ impressive campaign.

The President urged the players to maintain the determination and confidence that had taken them to the final, assuring them of the nation’s support.

“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.

Mr Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the team, describing the players as young ambassadors whose achievements could inspire more girls to pursue their sporting ambitions.

“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” he added.

The Flamingos’ qualification represents Nigeria’s first appearance in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 2008.

Their previous best performance came at the 2022 edition in India, where they finished third after defeating Germany in the bronze-medal match. They also reached the semi-finals in that tournament.

The team’s journey in Morocco has been marked by an impressive recovery after a 2-1 opening-day defeat to Poland.

Under head coach Akeem Busari, Nigeria responded with victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions DPR Korea before eliminating Mexico and Venezuela in the knockout rounds.

Their 3-1 victory over Brazil was particularly emphatic, with the Flamingos registering 35 attempts on goal against the South Americans’ seven.

The result also ended Brazil’s hopes of reaching their first final in the competition.

Nigeria will now face Japan in Saturday’s title decider, with both teams seeking their maiden U-17 women’s world crown.

The Flamingos have already secured Nigeria’s best-ever finish in the competition. A victory over Japan would, however, take the achievement further by delivering the country’s first world title at this level.

Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES. Twitter: @tundeyeludini