President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph over Japan in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final in Rabat, Morocco.
The Flamingos secured a 2-1 victory over Japan on Saturday, becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and writing a new chapter in the history of African women’s football.
The historic achievement sparked celebrations across Nigeria, including at the Presidential Villa, where First Lady Oluremi Tinubu was captured in a viral video singing and dancing in excitement as she watched the final.
In the video, the First Lady was heard singing, “Come and see what the Lord has done, it is marvelous in our sight,” while expressing joy over the team’s remarkable achievement. Another clip showed her closely following the encounter before breaking into celebration at the final whistle.
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President Tinubu described the victory as a landmark achievement for African women’s football and a moment of immense national pride. He praised the young players for demonstrating courage, discipline, determination and the Nigerian spirit throughout the competition.
The President, who received the news upon returning from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, described the victory as a fitting reward for the team’s commitment, resilience and belief in their ability to emerge champions.
In a congratulatory statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed excitement over the team’s accomplishment.
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“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.
He further congratulated the players, commending their fighting spirit and determination to make the country proud.
Tinubu disclosed that he had followed the team’s progress throughout the tournament, recalling that the players had promised to bring the trophy home after securing their semi-final victory.
According to him, the team had fulfilled its promise through teamwork, self-belief and an outstanding performance in the final.
“I followed your journey throughout this tournament, and after your semi-final victory, you promised to bring the trophy home. Today, you have kept that promise.
“You believed in yourselves, fought for one another and carried our nation’s flag to the very top of the world,” he stated.
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The President also noted that the historic victory would serve as an inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls aspiring to excel in football, sports and other fields of endeavour.
He emphasised that the achievement demonstrates how hard work, determination and access to opportunities can help young people reach the highest levels of success.
Tinubu particularly applauded Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Japan, while commending the entire squad for their collective effort throughout the tournament.
He also extended his congratulations to the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their contributions to the team’s historic success.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development, the President said the government would continue to support initiatives that provide young Nigerians, particularly girls, with opportunities to discover and develop their sporting talents.
Concluding his message, Tinubu described the players as national heroes whose achievement would remain a source of pride for generations to come.
“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you.
“Congratulations once again, Flamingos. Thank you for making Nigeria proud,” he said.
The Flamingos’ triumph represents a significant milestone for Nigerian football and African women’s sports, with the young champions bringing international recognition to the country through their historic performance.
