Flamingos Return to Nigeria After Historic World Cup Triumph

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have returned to the country following their historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

According to Channels Television, in a report published on November 9, 2026, the victorious players and their officials arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday morning after defeating Japan in Saturday’s final.

Daily Post also reported on November 9 that the team arrived in Abuja aboard a Royal Air Maroc flight, which landed at approximately 5:50 a.m. local time. Supporters and football officials were present to welcome the players after their successful campaign.

The Flamingos secured the trophy with a 2-1 victory over Japan in Rabat, becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s lead shortly after the break. Japan pulled one back through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but Nigeria held on to win.

The team reached its first-ever final after defeating Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals. Their journey also included victories over Puerto Rico and North Korea in the group stage, followed by knockout-stage wins against Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil.

Head coach Hakeem Busari guided the team through the campaign after an opening defeat to Poland. The players responded with six consecutive victories to secure the title.

Before the World Cup, the Flamingos had also won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, finishing the competition with five wins from five matches. They scored 17 goals and conceded only once.

The return to Abuja marks the homecoming of a team that has delivered Nigeria’s first title in the competition and secured a historic achievement for African women’s football.

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