Musawa congratulates Flamingos on historic U-17 World Cup victory over Japan
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in the final played on Saturday, November 7, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to become the first African team to win the competition.
Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 47th minute. Japan’s Fuki Ito pulled one back in the 80th minute, but the Flamingos held on to secure the title.
In a statement issued on Sunday by her special adviser on media and publicity, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, Musawa described the victory as a proud moment for Nigeria, a landmark for African women’s football and a triumph of resilience, talent and determination.
“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 also made history as the first African country to win both the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cup titles. They became the first team in the competition’s history to lose their opening match and go on to win the trophy, following a 2-1 defeat to Poland before recording six consecutive victories.
Musawa specially commended Umejiaku, who won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, and Bashiru for their decisive goals in the final, while applauding the entire squad for their teamwork and discipline.
She said the victory reflected the creativity, courage and excellence of Nigerian youths, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to promoting young Nigerians who inspire the nation. “Our girls have shown the world what Nigeria is made of. We celebrate you today, and we will continue to stand with you,” she added.
