Ex-PDP chair hails Flamingos on historic World Cup triumph

Nigeria’s Flamingos secured their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco. Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute, followed by a goal from Oluebube Umejiaku in the 47th minute. Japan's Fuki Ito scored in the 80th minute to reduce the deficit. With this victory, Nigeria has become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the first to claim titles in both the men's and women's U-17 categories.

Punch Nigeria reports that 16-year-old forward Oluebube Umejiaku, who plays for Heartland Queens, was named the tournament's best player, receiving the Golden Ball award. Umejiaku scored three goals and provided two assists during the campaign, contributing to goals in all seven of Nigeria's matches following an initial defeat to Poland.

Her tournament highlights included scoring against Poland, DPR Korea, and Mexico, assisting against Puerto Rico and Brazil, and winning a penalty during the quarter-final win over Venezuela.

Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, offered congratulations to the team following the win, according to Punch.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch, Punch Nigeria, Premium Times — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.