••• Say historic World Cup triumph demonstrates what Nigerian girls can achieve with opportunity, investment, and institutional support
The historic triumph of Nigeria’s U-17 female national team, the Flamingos, has provided fresh evidence that Nigerian girls can conquer the world when given the right opportunities, encouragement, and institutional support.
This was the position of Dr Betta Edu and leaders of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) Directorate of Women Mobilisation following the reception of the world champions by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Flamingos made history on November 7, 2026, defeating Japan 2–1 in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.
With the victory, Nigeria became the first African country to win the competition and the first African nation to win FIFA U-17 World Cups in both the men’s and women’s categories.
It also marked the first time an African women’s national team had won a FIFA World Cup title at any age level.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru in the 39th minute and Oluebube Umejiaku in the 47th minute secured the historic victory, despite Japan’s late response.
Receiving the players on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady celebrated their outstanding performance, commending their discipline, teamwork, determination, and humility.
President Tinubu rewarded each player with a ₦100 million five-year savings bond in recognition of the landmark achievement.
Dr Betta Edu and other leaders of the PCC Women Mobilisation Directorate, who joined the First Lady in welcoming the champions, described the President’s unprecedented reward and the First Lady’s encouragement as powerful demonstrations of the administration’s recognition of the potential and contributions of Nigerian girls and women.
They said the Flamingos had not only brought pride to Nigeria and Africa but had also broken a significant barrier in international women’s football, proving that Nigerian girls can compete against the world’s best and emerge champions.
According to the women leaders, the victory reinforces the importance of investing in the girl child through sports, education, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and other opportunities that enable women to realise their full potential.
They further described the First Lady’s commitment to women’s empowerment, inclusion, and youth development as an inspiration to millions of Nigerian women, particularly those working to overcome social and economic barriers.
The Directorate congratulated the players, their coaches, and the Nigeria Football Federation, urging the young champions to sustain the discipline, courage, and determination that took them to the summit of world football.
It called on Nigerian women and girls to draw inspiration from the Flamingos’ remarkable journey, stressing that their triumph demonstrates that with opportunity, investment and the right support, there should be no limit to what Nigerian girls can achieve.
Vote President Tinubu, let the cups keep flowing in!
