President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, to defeat Japan in Saturday’s final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and secure their first-ever title. Tinubu gave the charge on Thursday after the team defeated Brazil 3-1 in their semi-final encounter on Wednesday to……
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, to defeat Japan in Saturday’s final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and secure their first-ever title.
Tinubu gave the charge on Thursday after the team defeated Brazil 3-1 in their semi-final encounter on Wednesday to reach the final of the competition in Morocco.
The victory made the Flamingos the first Nigerian and African team to reach the final of the tournament.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the achievement as a source of national pride, saying the players had brought joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
He urged the team to maintain the determination and confidence that had taken them to the final, expressing belief in their ability to win the trophy.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” Tinubu said.
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The President also praised the coaching crew and other officials for their contributions to the team’s impressive run at the competition.
He called on Nigerians to support the players ahead of their decisive clash with Japan, noting that their achievement had demonstrated the country’s sporting potential and inspired young girls to pursue their ambitions.
“I call on all Nigerians to rally behind the young ambassadors of the nation, whose achievements continue to showcase Nigeria’s sporting excellence and inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams uninhibited,” he said.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.
The Flamingos secured their place in the final through goals from Queen Joseph and Awawu Bashiru, who scored twice, while Brazil managed a late consolation goal.
They will face Japan, who edged defending champions North Korea on penalties in the other semi-final, with both sides seeking to win the U-17 women’s football title.
Nigeria’s previous best performance at the competition was a third-place finish at the 2022 edition in India.
