President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, to defeat Japan in Saturday’s final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco and win Nigeria’s first title in the competition.
Tinubu gave the charge after the Flamingos defeated Brazil 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final to reach their first final of the tournament.
The victory marked a historic milestone for Nigerian and African football, as the Flamingos became the first team from the continent to reach the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria had previously finished third in 2022, while Ghana achieved the same position in 2012.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, said the players had brought joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
He urged the young players to maintain the determination and confidence that had taken them to the final, expressing belief in their ability to win the trophy.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” Tinubu said.
The President also called on Nigerians to rally behind the team ahead of their decisive encounter with Japan, noting that their performance had showcased the country’s sporting potential and inspired young girls to pursue their ambitions.
“I call on all Nigerians to rally behind the young ambassadors of the nation, whose achievements continue to showcase Nigeria’s sporting excellence and inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams uninhibited,” he said.
The Flamingos will face Japan in Saturday’s final after the Asian side edged defending champions North Korea on penalties in the other semi-final.
Nigeria are seeking to improve on their previous best performance at the tournament, a third-place finish at the 2022 edition in India, by winning the title for the first time.
Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.
