Arts and culture minister Musawa hails Flamingos after historic U17 World Cup triumph

Spread the word Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, have made history by winning the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, following a 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final.

The victory, which was secured on November 7, 2026 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, marked the first time an African country has won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, congratulated the team, describing the achievement as a landmark moment for Nigeria and African women’s football.

In a congratulatory statement issued on Sunday by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, the minister said the victory demonstrated the resilience, talent and determination of young Nigerian women.

Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the lead two minutes into the second half.

Japan’s Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, but the Flamingos held on to secure the historic victory.

Musawa described the triumph as more than a trophy, saying it represented the determination of young Nigerian girls who overcame setbacks to achieve global recognition.

“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 minister noted that the Flamingos had also become the first African team to win titles in both the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cup categories.

She highlighted the team’s remarkable journey to the final, noting that they had lost their opening group match 2-1 to Poland before recording six consecutive victories to emerge champions.

Musawa specially commended Umejiaku, who won the tournament’s Golden Ball award as the best player, and Bashiru for their decisive contributions in the final.

She also praised the entire squad for their teamwork, discipline and determination throughout the competition.

According to her, the victory reflects the creativity, courage and excellence of Nigerian youths and reinforces the importance of supporting young talents to achieve their potential.

The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to celebrating, protecting and promoting the achievements of young Nigerians whose accomplishments inspire national pride.

“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.