President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, have congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.

Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final to emerge champions for the first time, becoming the first African nation to win the competition.

In separate congratulatory messages, the two leaders described the achievement as a landmark moment for Nigerian football and a source of immense national pride.

Akpabio, in a statement issued by his media office and signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, described the players as “Nigeria’s Golden Girls” for their outstanding performance and historic accomplishment.

He said the triumph had not only elevated Nigeria’s status in global women’s football but also brought pride to the African continent.

The Senate President praised the players for their talent, determination, resilience and teamwork, noting that their achievement demonstrated the rewards of hard work, discipline and self-belief.

He added that the Flamingos had inspired millions of Nigerians, particularly young girls, to pursue their dreams and aspire to greatness.

Akpabio also congratulated the coaching crew, technical team and other support staff for their contributions to the historic success, declaring that the world had heard Nigeria’s victory song.

Similarly, Governor Okpebholo described the victory as a remarkable milestone, commending the Flamingos for their courage, discipline, teamwork and impressive performances throughout the tournament.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the governor said the team had demonstrated the resilience and winning mentality associated with the Nigerian spirit.

He also praised the technical crew, coaches and support staff for their dedication, noting that the triumph underscored the growing potential of women’s football in Nigeria.

According to Okpebholo, the Flamingos had written their names in Nigeria’s football history and demonstrated the ability of the country’s young talents to compete and excel on the global stage.

He urged the players to sustain their winning mentality and remain worthy ambassadors of Nigeria, while assuring them of the continued support and goodwill of the people of Edo State.

“The Flamingos have made Nigeria proud, and their victory is a triumph for the nation,” the governor said.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.

Infantino described the triumph as a landmark achievement for Nigerian and African football, noting that Nigeria had become the first African country to win the prestigious competition.

In his congratulatory message after the final, the FIFA president commended the Flamingos for their impressive performance, describing their victory as well deserved.

“Congratulations to Nigeria, world champions of the Under-17 Women’s World Cup here in Rabat. First African team ever to win a Women’s Under-17 World Cup. So many congratulations to Nigeria, well deserved in the final,” he said.

Infantino also congratulated Japan for claiming the silver medal and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea) for finishing third in the competition.

He equally praised Morocco for successfully hosting the tournament, describing the competition and facilities in Rabat as beautiful, fantastic and wonderful.

The Flamingos’ historic achievement represents a major breakthrough for African women’s football, as Nigeria becomes the first nation from the continent to lift the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.

Nigeria’s Flamingos have made history by winning their maiden FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title following a thrilling 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final.

The victory marks a historic milestone for Nigerian football, as the Flamingos become the first African team to lift the prestigious trophy, capping an outstanding campaign with a memorable triumph.

Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 39th minute, capitalising on an assist from Mary Dunstan to give the West Africans a 1-0 lead at the break. Bashiru’s effort slipped through the hands of Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki and into the net.

Nigeria doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half when Oluebube Umejiaku finished brilliantly in the 47th minute. The forward raced onto a superb long pass from Esther Stephen, controlled the ball with her left foot and calmly lifted it over the advancing goalkeeper.

Japan mounted a late comeback, reducing the deficit in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, who converted Anri Ito’s pass to make it 2-1. The goal set up a tense closing period as Japan pushed desperately for an equaliser.

However, the Nigerian girls remained resolute, defending their advantage against sustained Japanese pressure to secure a historic victory and spark celebrations.

The triumph capped a remarkable tournament journey for the Flamingos, who bounced back from a disappointing 2-1 opening defeat to Poland to record five consecutive victories en route to the championship.

They recovered with a 2-0 win over Puerto Rico before stunning defending champions North Korea 3-1, ending the Asian side’s 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the competition.

Nigeria subsequently defeated Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16, before edging Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals, courtesy of Azeezat Oduntan’s decisive 89th-minute penalty.

In the semi-finals, the Flamingos produced another impressive performance, overcoming Brazil 3-1 to secure their first-ever appearance in the tournament final. Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute, while Bashiru struck twice in the 71st and 80th minutes to seal the victory.

Head coach Akeem Busari attributed the team’s remarkable turnaround after the opening defeat to psychological guidance and renewed confidence among the players, while captain Harmony Chidi described the opportunity to win the trophy as a moment that would remain unforgettable.

The world title further underlines Nigeria’s growing dominance in women’s youth football. Before the tournament, the Flamingos had also emerged champions of the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, winning all five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.

With their historic victory over Japan, the Flamingos have not only written a new chapter in Nigerian football history but have also placed Africa firmly on the global map of women’s youth football.