President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, to defeat Japan and bring home the coveted 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy in Morocco.
The presidential mandate was delivered following the team’s historic semi-final performance on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, where the Flamingos outclassed Brazil 3–1 to reach their first-ever World Cup final.
In an official statement released on Thursday, November 5, 2026, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu commended the team’s resilience, skill, and unyielding patriotic spirit throughout the tournament in North Africa.
”I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” President Tinubu stated.
“I call on all Nigerians to rally behind the young ambassadors of the nation, whose achievements continue to showcase Nigeria’s sporting excellence and inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams uninhibited. Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!”
The Flamingos secured their place in the showpiece event after a dominant semi-final victory over Brazil at 7:00 PM WAT on Wednesday, powered by a brace from Awawu Bashiru and a late strike from Queen Joseph. They will square off against a formidable Japanese side, who advanced to the final by defeating defending champions North Korea 4–1 on penalties following a 1–1 draw earlier that same evening.
The victory marks a monumental step forward for Nigerian youth football. Prior to this historic 2026 campaign in Morocco, Nigeria’s best finish in the competition’s history was a third-place podium spot achieved at the 2022 edition in India.
The grand finale of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup between Japan and Nigeria is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026. Kick-off is set for 7:30 PM WAT (19:30 UTC+1) in Morocco, where the Flamingos aim to cap off an incredible campaign by capturing their maiden global title.
