Tinubu, First Lady, Celebrate Flamingos Winning FIFA Under-17 Female World Cup

•Becomes first African to win the competition • NDC applauds team’s historic feat Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Kunle Adewale President Bola Tinubu and wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu have felicitated the Nigeria’s Women’s U17 team, Flamingos for Winning U-17 Women Cup in Morocco yesterday. The President congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos for making history as the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup following their 2-1 victory over Japan in yesterday’s final in Rabat, Morocco. Tinubu, who received the cheering news upon his return from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, hailed Nigeria’s maiden triumph as a proud moment for the nation and a landmark achievement for African women’s football. The President, in a release issued yesterday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, declared,,”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. “To our gallant Flamingos, I say congratulations. You have shown courage, discipline, determination and the Nigerian spirit of never giving up. “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. “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. “Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you.” He also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the team’s success. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover, nurture and fulfil their potential. “Congratulations once again, Flamingos. Thank you for making Nigeria proud.” On her part, the First Lady whie congratulating the Flamingos says their victory repeesents a true story of resilience and commitment. Mrs Tinubu in a seven-paragraph release issued stated, inter alia:”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. “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. “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. “Through your team spirit, dedication and hardwork, Nigeria again is the toast of the world. ‘I celebrate you, dear Flamingos, the Head Coach and the entire technical team. I say well done.” Led by head coach Akeem Busari, the Flamingos entered the showpiece having already broken ground as the first African side to reach the final, surpassing their previous best finish of a bronze medal in 2022. After a fiercely contested opening half-hour against a disciplined Japanese side making their fourth final appearance, Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. Midfielder Awawu Bashiru—who had starred with a brace in the semi-final against Brazil—unleashed a long-range strike that slipped past Japanese goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki to give the Flamingos a 1–0 lead at the break. Nigeria wasted no time doubling their advantage after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, forward Oluebube Umejiaku latched onto a through ball and lifted a composed finish over the onrushing Kadowaki in the 47th minute to make it 2–0. Desperate to reclaim a title they last won in 2014, Japan responded with a triple substitution and mounted heavy late pressure. The Young Nadeshiko eventually pulled a goal back in the 80th minute through Fuki ITO to set up a tense finish in front of a crowd that included FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe. Despite Japan’s late surge, Nigeria’s backline—marshalled by goalkeeper Sylvia Ijirigho and defender Omowunmi Sunday—held firm through stoppage time to seal an unforgettable triumph for Nigerian and African women’s football. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has also extended its congratulations to Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their 2-1 victory over Japan in yesterday’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final. In a statement made available to THISDAY Newspapers, the party’s National Campaign Council spokesperson, Constance Ikokwu, praised the team’s historic achievement: “Congratulations to our incredible Flamingos on their historic victory over Japan. What a remarkable performance by these young Nigerian women who have just won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. “They have shown courage, determination, resilience, and the never-say-die spirit that defines our country. Beating Japan is no small feat. You have made Nigeria proud and reminded us once again of the immense talent and potential in our young people, including women. The future is bright, and it belongs to you. NDC supports youth in Nigeria. Well done, girls.”