President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos following their historic 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.
The victory made Nigeria the first African country to win the tournament.
According to a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President received the news upon his return from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States.
President Tinubu described Nigeria’s maiden triumph as a proud moment for the country and a landmark achievement for African women’s football.
“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,” the President said.
He added that he had followed the team’s progress throughout the tournament and recalled that the players had promised to bring home the trophy after 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. You believed in yourselves, fought for one another and carried our nation’s flag to the very top of the world,” he said.
The President described the achievement as an inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls, noting that it demonstrated how hard work, opportunity and determination could help them achieve greatness.
“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you,” he added.
President Tinubu particularly applauded Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured the historic victory, while commending the entire squad for their teamwork throughout the competition.
He also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the team’s success.
The President 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,” he said.