Eniola Yekini
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, on their historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in the final played on Saturday, November 7, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.
Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 47th minute. Japan’s Fuki Ito pulled one back in the 80th minute, but the Flamingos held on to secure the historic victory.
In her congratulatory message, Musawa described the triumph as a proud moment for Nigeria, a landmark achievement for African women’s football and a testament to resilience, talent and determination.
“This is more than a trophy. It is a story of young Nigerian girls who refused to give up, who rose after defeat, and who carried the hopes of a continent to the top of the world,” she said.
The Flamingos made history as the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and Nigeria became the first African country to win titles in both the men’s and women’s U-17 categories.
They also became the first team in the competition’s history to lose their opening match and go on to lift the trophy. The Nigerian side had suffered a 2-1 defeat to Poland in the group stage before recovering to record six consecutive victories.
The Minister particularly commended Umejiaku, who clinched the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player, and Bashiru for their decisive contributions in the final. She also praised the entire squad for their teamwork, discipline and determination.
Musawa said the victory underscored the creativity, courage and excellence of Nigerian youths, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to celebrating, protecting and promoting the achievements of young Nigerians who inspire the nation.
“Our girls have shown the world what Nigeria is made of. We celebrate you today, and we will continue to stand with you,” she said.