The National Sports Commission (NSC) has hailed the historic triumph of Nigeria’s under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, as a landmark achievement for Nigerian and African football.
It described the victory as a reward for the team’s remarkable campaign and a defining moment for the country’s sports rejuvenation.
The Flamingos delivered a landmark victory and made history as world champions after defeating Japan 2–1 in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 in Rabat on Saturday, becoming the first African nation to win the competition.
In a statement, the Head of the Press and Public Relations Unit of the National Sports Commission, Zira Zakka Nagga, said the Flamingos took the lead in the 39th minute through Awawu Bashiru, before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the advantage in the 47th minute.
Japan pulled one back through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but Nigeria withstood late pressure to secure the win at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.
The triumph marks a significant milestone for Nigerian and African football, the statement also said.
Nigeria has become the first African women’s team to win a FIFA world title at any level, according to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Nigeria’s campaign began with a 2–1 defeat to Poland, but the team recovered to beat Puerto Rico and defending champions Korea DPR in the group stage.
The Flamingos then defeated Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil in the knockout rounds to reach their first final.
Their 3–1 semifinal victory over Brazil secured Nigeria’s maiden appearance in the final.
The team’s previous best result was a third-place finish at the 2022 tournament in India.
Chairman of the Commission, Shehu Dikko, described the victory as evidence of the value of grassroots investment and sustained reform in Nigerian sport.
“When we get it right at the grassroots, the top will be corrected too,” the statement reads.
Director-General of the Commission, Bukola Olopade, called the result a victory for all Nigerians and credited President Bola Tinubu’s support for sports development.
“There could hardly be a better way for these young champions to appreciate that support than by bringing home a World Cup trophy,” the statement said.
The final was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Patrice Motsepe and senior Nigerian football officials.
Infantino praised Nigeria’s achievement, calling the team the first African side to win a FIFA women’s world title.
Umejiaku was named the tournament’s best player, winning the Golden Ball after scoring four goals, including the decisive strike against Japan, the statement said.
This victory shows that Nigeria is becoming stronger in women’s youth football.
It also shows that investing in young players and developing them properly can bring good results.
For a country long regarded as a powerhouse in African football, the Flamingos’ title represents both a sporting breakthrough and a signal of what sustained support for young athletes can produce, the statement said.
