President Bola Tinubu has charged Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, to “go for gold” and make history by winning the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World.
The President gave the charge on Thursday while congratulating the team on their historic 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, which booked their maiden appearance in the final where they will face Japan on Saturday in Morocco.
In a statement, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the achievement as remarkable, saying it had brought immense pride and joy to millions of Nigerians at home and abroad.
The President congratulated the Flamingos and urged them to “go for the trophy.”
“I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
After a scoreless first half, Nigeria took control in Rabat.
Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute, finishing a pass from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, before Awawu Bashiru doubled the lead in the 71st minute and added another nine minutes later.
Brazil pulled one back in the 89th minute through Greise Kelly, but the late goal came too late to alter the result.
The victory surpassed Nigeria’s previous best finish of third place at the 2022 tournament, and secured at least a silver medal.
Japan advanced after eliminating two-time defending champion North Korea in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 semifinal draw.
The final is scheduled for Saturday in Rabat, Morocco.
The Flamingos are seeking to become the first African nation to win the U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo also praised the team, citing its resilience, tactical discipline and teamwork.
He singled out Joseph and Bashiru for their goals and expressed confidence that the Flamingos could complete the historic campaign.
For a programme long among Africa’s strongest youth sides, the final represents both a breakthrough and an opportunity: the nation has regularly contended at this level, but has never before played for the trophy.
