Flamingos arrive in Abuja after historic U-17 World Cup triumph

Nigeria's women's football team, known as the Flamingos, returned to Abuja on Monday following their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The team clinched their first ever title by defeating Japan 2-1 in the final, with goals scored by Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku. The achievement made the Flamingos the first African team to win the global age-grade competition.

The team's success followed an impressive pre-tournament campaign, where they won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d'Ivoire with five consecutive victories. Head coach Hakeem Busari lauded his players for their determination and tactical discipline, anticipating a bright future for African women's football.

Busari expressed confidence in the continental development of youth women's football, stating that Nigeria's performance was evidence of progress in the sector. He also expressed hope for more African nations to perform well in future editions of the tournament. President Bola Tinubu congratulated the Flamingos on their historic achievement, describing the victory as a significant milestone for African women's football.

He praised the team's courage, discipline, determination and the Nigerian spirit. Tinubu also highlighted the contributions of the players, coaching staff, and the Nigeria Football Federation, promising more opportunities for young Nigerians.