President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu have congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos on their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, describing the team’s triumph as a landmark achievement for Nigerian and African women’s football.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat, becoming the first African team to win the competition and securing Nigeria’s maiden title at the tournament.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President celebrated the achievement, saying the young footballers had demonstrated courage, discipline and determination throughout the tournament.
Tinubu, who received news of the victory upon returning from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, described the triumph as a moment of national pride.
“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,” he declared.
“To our gallant Flamingos, I say congratulations. You have shown courage, discipline, determination and the Nigerian spirit of never giving up.”
The President praised the team’s commitment to fulfilling its promise of winning the trophy, recalling the players’ determination following their semi-final victory.
“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,” Tinubu said.
“You believed in yourselves, fought for one another and carried our nation’s flag to the very top of the world.”
Tinubu singled out Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured the victory over Japan, while commending the entire squad for its teamwork and resilience throughout the competition.
He described the achievement as an inspiration to young Nigerian girls aspiring to succeed in sports and other areas of life.
“Your victory is an inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls who dream of achieving greatness. You have shown them that with hard work, opportunity and determination, they too can reach the highest levels of achievement,” the President stated.
“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you.”
Tinubu also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the team’s success.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover and develop their talents.
“Congratulations once again, Flamingos. Thank you for making Nigeria proud,” he added.
Meanwhile, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, described the Flamingos’ victory as a demonstration of resilience, commitment and the power of teamwork.
In a separate congratulatory statement, she praised the players for overcoming a difficult start to the tournament and producing six consecutive victories on their way to lifting the trophy.
“I am glad to join millions of Nigerians in celebrating your incredible achievement as the U17 Female Champions of the World, making history as the first female African team to do so,” she stated.
“Your path to victory was not an easy one. You shrugged off your shaky start and took on the world, winning six matches in a row on your way to the golden trophy, confirming what others already know — that Nigerians are world beaters.”
The First Lady said the achievement had elevated Nigeria’s standing in international women’s football and demonstrated the potential of young Nigerian athletes to compete successfully on the global stage.
“I am particularly proud of this inspiring feat which has now placed the country, and indeed Africa, at the pinnacle of women football across the world,” she said.
She commended the players for their dedication, hard work and collective determination, describing their success as a source of pride for the country.
“Through your team spirit, dedication and hardwork, Nigeria again is the toast of the world,” Mrs Tinubu added.
“I celebrate you, dear Flamingos, the Head Coach and the entire technical team. I say well done.”
The Flamingos’ victory marks a historic milestone for Nigerian football, with the team becoming the first African side to lift the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.
Deji Elumoye
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