Flamingos Make History, Beat Japan To Win Maiden U-17 Women’s World Cup Title

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Share on XTelegram BY AUSTINE ODO & Jonathan NDA- ISAIAH, with agency report

Nigeria’s Under-17 female national football team, the Flamingos, yesterday wrote a new chapter in African football history by winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final. They secured the first global title in Nigeria’s history in this age category, becoming the first African nation to lift the trophy.

CAF Women’s Football website reports that facing Japan in the final, the Flamingos showed great character to claim a 2-1 victory to secure the world title.

Following a hard-fought first half, Nigeria took the lead in the 39th minute in the match which took place in Rabat, Morocco. Connecting with a pass from Mary Dunstan, Awawu Bashiru found the back of the net to put her team ahead 1-0. Shortly after the break, Nigeria extended the lead. In the 47th minute, Oluebube Umejiaku scored the team’s second goal, finishing off a move initiated by Esther Stephen 2-0. This valuable cushion allowed Nigeria to approach the remainder of the match with greater composure.

However, Japan did not give up. The Asian side gradually increased the pressure and were rewarded in the 80th minute; following a pass from Anri Ito, Fuki Ito narrowed the deficit, setting up a tense finish 2-1.

The final minutes were particularly nerve-wracking, with Japan pushing hard for an equalizer. Yet, the Nigerian defense held firm until the final whistle, through five minutes of stoppage time. With the 2-1 victory, Nigeria made history by winning its first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. It is a major achievement for the Flamingos who have secured the African continent’s first-ever title in this competition.

Nigeria qualified for the final of the competition after beating Brazil 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final.

It is also the first major FIFA-organised inter-continental competition to be won by any Nigerian team under the present administration of President Bola Tinubu, after futile attempts by several Nigerian football teams in previous competitions under the administration.

In an instant reaction, President Bola Tinubu congratulated the team for making history as the first African team to win the cup.

A statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the president, who received the cheering news upon his return from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states yesterday, hailed Nigeria’s maiden triumph as a proud moment for the nation and a landmark achievement for African women’s football.

The president said, “What wonderful news to return home to! Our young girls have conquered the world and given Nigerians everywhere another reason to celebrate our great country. To our gallant Flamingos, I say congratulations. You have shown courage, discipline, determination and the Nigerian spirit of never giving up.

“I followed your journey throughout this tournament, and after your semi-final victory, you promised to bring the trophy home. Today, you have kept that promise. You believed in yourselves, fought for one another and carried our nation’s flag to the very top of the world.

“Your victory is an inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls who dream of achieving greatness. You have shown them that with hard work, opportunity and determination, they too can reach the highest levels of achievement.

“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you.”

The president particularly applauded Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured the historic victory, while commending the entire squad for their exceptional teamwork throughout the tournament.

He also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the team’s success.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover, nurture and fulfil their potential.

“Congratulations once again, Flamingos. Thank you for making Nigeria proud.”

Also reacting to the victory, the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, congratulated the team, saying their achievement had made the country and the African continent proud.

Mrs Tinubu said the team’s victory was a testament to resilience, commitment, teamwork and determination, noting that their accomplishment had placed Nigeria and Africa at the pinnacle of women’s football globally.

In a congratulatory message, the first lady said she joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the team’s remarkable achievement as the first female African team to win the U-17 World Cup.

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Join Our WhatsApp Channel –> –> Austin Odo Austine Odo is the News Editor of the Weeklies at Leadership Newspaper. He has extensive experience in domestic and international reporting, has edited multiple sections in newspapers, and has written local and international articles.