NSC hails Flamingos’ historic U-17 World Cup victory

The National Sports Commission has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, after they defeated Japan 2-1 to win the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Saturday.

The Flamingos secured the historic victory with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, becoming the first African nation to win the women’s U-17 World Cup.

In a statement on Saturday, the commission described the triumph as a remarkable achievement, noting that it marked a defining moment for Nigerian and African women’s football.

The NSC also highlighted that Nigeria had become the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both the men’s and women’s categories.

The victory further made the Flamingos the first team in the history of the women’s competition to lose their opening match and go on to lift the trophy.

“The National Sports Commission congratulates the Nigeria U-17 Women’s National Team on this remarkable achievement, which marks a defining moment for Nigerian and African women’s football,” the statement read.

The commission added, “Congratulations, Flamingos. Nigeria celebrates you. Africa celebrates you.”

Nigeria’s victory adds to the country’s achievements in youth football, with the Golden Eaglets having won the men’s FIFA U-17 World Cup five times, in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.

The Flamingos’ triumph is Nigeria’s first title in the women’s U-17 competition since its establishment in 2008.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don’t miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.