By Joyce Ekeh
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic 2-1 victory over Japan in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco, describing the triumph as a moment of national pride and a landmark achievement for African women’s football.
The President said the young Nigerian footballers had written their names in gold through their determination, discipline and fighting spirit, adding that their victory had given Nigerians another reason to celebrate.
Tinubu, who received news of the team’s triumph upon returning from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, described the achievement as a historic milestone for Nigeria and the African continent.
In his congratulatory message, the President said: “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.
“I followed your journey throughout this tournament, and after your semi-final victory, you promised to bring the trophy home. 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.”
The President described the victory as an inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls who aspire to excel in sports and other fields, noting that the team’s accomplishment demonstrated the possibilities that could be achieved through hard work, opportunity and determination.
“Your victory is an inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls who dream of achieving greatness. You have shown them that with hard work, opportunity and determination, they too can reach the highest levels of achievement.
“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you,” Tinubu said.
The President particularly applauded Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured Nigeria’s historic victory, while commending the entire squad for their teamwork and collective commitment throughout the tournament.
He also extended his congratulations to the team’s coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC), acknowledging their contributions to the team’s success.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to identify, develop and maximise their sporting talents.
According to him, the Flamingos’ achievement reinforces the importance of creating an enabling environment for young athletes to pursue their ambitions and compete successfully on the international stage.
“Congratulations once again, Flamingos. Thank you for making Nigeria proud,” the President added.
The victory represents a significant moment for Nigerian women’s football, with the Flamingos’ achievement expected to inspire a new generation of female footballers and strengthen calls for greater investment in youth sports development.
