FULL GIST: Flamingos Crown World Champions, Make Nigeria and Africa Proud With Historic U-17 Triumph

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Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, have etched their names in football history after defeating Japan 2-1 to win their maiden FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title, becoming the first African nation to conquer the competition.

The historic victory marks a landmark achievement for Nigerian football and African women’s football, as the Flamingos secured the continent’s first-ever title in the global age-grade competition.

The Nigerian youngsters demonstrated remarkable resilience, tactical discipline and determination to overcome Japan in an exciting final played in Rabat, Morocco, yesterday.

After a fiercely contested opening period, Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Awawu Bashiru connected with a pass from Mary Dunstan to put the Flamingos ahead.

Nigeria returned from the interval with renewed determination and doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half. Oluebube Umejiaku finished off a well-coordinated attacking move initiated by Esther Stephen in the 47th minute to give the African champions a commanding 2-0 lead.

Japan, however, refused to surrender and intensified their attacking efforts as the match progressed. Their persistence paid off in the 80th minute when Fuki Ito converted a pass from Anri Ito to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The closing stages produced intense pressure as Japan desperately searched for an equaliser. However, the Flamingos maintained their defensive discipline and held on through five minutes of additional time to secure a historic victory.

The triumph capped an impressive campaign for Nigeria, who booked their place in the final with a convincing 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final.

The achievement represents Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title and a significant milestone for African football, establishing the Flamingos as pioneers of the continent’s success in the competition.

The victory also attracted presidential recognition, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulating the team for their historic accomplishment.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the triumph as a proud moment for Nigeria and a landmark achievement for African women’s football.

Tinubu, who received the news upon returning from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states yesterday, praised the players for their courage, discipline, determination and commitment to national glory.

“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 disclosed that he had followed the team’s progress throughout the tournament, recalling their promise to bring the trophy home after defeating Brazil in the semi-final.

“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 added.

The President noted that the victory would inspire millions of Nigerian girls to pursue their dreams and demonstrate that hard work, opportunity and determination could take them to the highest levels of achievement.

He particularly commended goalscorers Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, while applauding the entire squad for their teamwork and outstanding performance throughout the competition.

Tinubu also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the team’s historic success.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development, the President pledged continued investment in creating opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover, develop and fulfil their sporting potential.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the Flamingos, describing their achievement as a source of immense pride for the country and the African continent.

In her congratulatory message, Mrs Tinubu said the historic victory demonstrated the power of resilience, commitment, teamwork and determination.

She noted that the team’s accomplishment had placed Nigeria and Africa at the pinnacle of global women’s football, congratulating the Flamingos for becoming the first African female team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The victory is expected to further strengthen the profile of women’s football in Nigeria and inspire a new generation of young female footballers across Africa.

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