The Flamingos, Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, received a jubilant welcome in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday morning following their landmark victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Read more: Victorious Flamingos Make Historic Return to Abuja After World Cup TriumphOn Saturday, the Flamingos secured their first-ever title in the competition by defeating Japan 2-1 in a thrilling final, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku sealing their place in history. This triumph marks the first time an African team has lifted the coveted trophy.
Officials from the Nigeria Football Federation, along with enthusiastic supporters, greeted the team at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The Flamingos’ victory caps a remarkable run that has further cemented their status as one of Africa’s premier youth sides. Earlier in the year, the team won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, winning all five matches, scoring 17 goals, and conceding just once.
Flamingos Head Coach Hakeem Busari praised his players’ resilience and tactical discipline throughout the tournament, emphasizing that their success was no accident. “What we are seeing now is not a fluke. It is about development, character, and fighting from the beginning to get it right. We are elated and happy,” Busari said in a post-match interview. He noted that the Flamingos overcame a challenging group featuring the defending champions, demonstrating the growing quality and competitiveness of African women’s youth football.
Reflecting on the final, Busari explained how his technical crew tailored their tactics to counter Japan’s strengths, particularly by limiting the opposition’s ability to win second balls and exploit defensive gaps. After taking the lead, the Flamingos adopted a more cautious approach, though Japan managed to equalize from a set piece. Ultimately, the match became a battle of discipline and collective effort, with Nigeria prevailing thanks to effective game management.
President Bola Tinubu also celebrated the team’s achievement, describing it as a proud milestone for Nigeria and African women’s football. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu congratulated the Flamingos for their courage, discipline, and determination. “Our young girls have conquered the world and given Nigerians everywhere another reason to celebrate our great country,” he said. The President commended the entire squad, especially Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, for their decisive goals, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerian girls.
With their names now etched in gold, the Flamingos have inspired a new generation, proving that with hard work and belief, greatness is within reach.
