NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION (NSC)
PRESS RELEASE
NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION HAILS HISTORIC TRIUMPH AS NIGERIA’S FLAMINGOS EMERGE WORLD CHAMPIONS
Nigeria’s Flamingos made history, after emerging champions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026, defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat to deliver the country’s first-ever title in the competition and a landmark achievement for African football.
The victory makes Nigeria the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, bringing an end to the continent’s long wait for the global crown and rewarding the Flamingos for a remarkable campaign in Morocco.
Reacting to the triumph, chairman of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko described the Flamingos’ achievement as a reflection of the nation’s sports rejuvenation, which must be sustained through reforms at all levels, stressing that building a strong foundation was essential to producing excellence at the highest level.
“When we get it right at the grassroots, the top will be corrected too. This victory is a powerful reminder that investing in young athletes, strengthening our development structures and creating opportunities for talent to thrive will deliver results for Nigeria,” he said.
Mallam Dikko congratulated the players, coaches and technical crew, describing their achievement as a defining moment for Nigerian football and a source of pride for the country and the African continent.
Director-General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the victory as a triumph for all Nigerians and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and investment in sports.
“This is a victory for every Nigerian. We are grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his immense investment and commitment to the development of sports in the country. There could hardly be a better way for these young champions to appreciate that support than by bringing home a World Cup trophy. They have made the nation proud and shown what is possible when talent, preparation and the right support come together,” Hon. Olopade said.
In the final, Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the advantage shortly after the restart, scoring in the 47th minute. Japan reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but the Flamingos held on under late pressure to secure the historic 2-1 victory.
The triumph completed an extraordinary turnaround for the Nigerian side, whose campaign began with a 2-1 defeat to Poland. The Flamingos responded with victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions Korea DPR in the group stage, before overcoming Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil in the knockout rounds to reach their first-ever final.
Their 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil had already secured Nigeria’s maiden appearance in the final, but the players went one step further against Japan to claim the ultimate prize.
Nigeria had previously finished third at the 2022 edition in India, which remained the team’s best performance in the competition until Saturday’s historic achievement.
The Federal Government delegation at the final was led by Mallam Shehu Dikko, and included Hon. Bukola Olopade; the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; and Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu.
The historic encounter was watched by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, acting Secretary General of the Nigerian Football Federation, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme and ex FIFA Council Member and two-term President of the NFF, Amaju Melvin Pinnick.
e-Signed:
Zira Zakka Nagga,
Head, Press and Public Relations Unit,
National Sports Commission(NSC)
November 8, 2026
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