NSC hails Flamingos after historic U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineThe National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026, where they defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat to claim the country’s first title in the competition.
The victory also made Nigeria the first African nation to win the tournament, ending the continent’s long wait for the global title after an impressive campaign by the young players.
Reacting to the achievement, the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the victory reflected the country’s sports rejuvenation efforts and demonstrated the importance of sustained investment in grassroots development.
He stressed that strengthening sports structures and creating opportunities for young talents were essential to achieving success at the highest level.
“When we get it right at the grassroots, the top will be corrected too.
“This victory is a powerful reminder that investing in young athletes, strengthening our development structures and creating opportunities for talent to thrive will deliver results for Nigeria,” he said.
Dikko congratulated the players, coaches and technical crew, describing their achievement as a defining moment for Nigerian football and a source of pride for the country and the African continent.
The Director-General of the commission, Bukola Olopade, also described the triumph as a victory for all Nigerians, while appreciating President Bola Tinubu for his support and investment in sports development.
“This is a victory for every Nigerian. We are grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his immense investment and commitment to the development of sports in the country.
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“There could hardly be a better way for these young champions to appreciate that support than by bringing home a World Cup trophy.
“They have made the nation proud and shown what is possible when talent, preparation and the right support come together,” Olopade said.
In the final, Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the advantage two minutes after the restart.
Japan reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but the Flamingos held on against late pressure to secure the 2-1 victory.
The triumph completed a remarkable turnaround for Nigeria, whose campaign began with a 2-1 defeat to Poland.
The Flamingos recovered with victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions Korea DPR in the group stage before overcoming Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil in the knockout rounds to reach their first-ever final.
Their 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil had secured Nigeria’s maiden appearance in the final, but the team went a step further by defeating Japan to lift the trophy.
Nigeria had previously finished third at the 2022 edition in India, which remained the team’s best performance in the competition until Saturday’s historic achievement.
The Federal Government delegation at the final was led by Dikko and included Olopade, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu.
The final was also watched by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Confederation of African Football President Dr Patrice Motsepe, Acting Secretary-General of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, and former FIFA Council member and two-term NFF President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick.
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