Oluremi Tinubu honours the Flamingos at the State House after their historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, received the country’s victorious U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, at the State House in Abuja on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
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The reception recognised the young players’ achievement after they defeated Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat on Saturday, November 7, to become the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The victory marked a significant milestone for Nigerian football and African women’s football, placing the Flamingos among the continent’s history-making sporting teams.
The team secured the title through goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku. Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Umejiaku extended Nigeria’s lead shortly after the restart.
Japan’s Fuki Ito pulled one goal back in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian side held on to secure the trophy.
The triumph attracted widespread celebrations, with First Lady Oluremi Tinubu previously seen cheering the team during the final. President Tinubu also congratulated the players, describing their achievement as a proud moment for Nigeria and a landmark for African women’s football.
In his congratulatory message, the President praised the team’s courage, discipline and determination, noting that the players had fulfilled their promise to return home with the trophy.
He particularly commended Bashiru and Umejiaku for scoring the decisive goals, while acknowledging the contributions of the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission.
The State House reception followed the team’s return to Abuja on Monday, after their successful campaign in Morocco. The ceremony had initially been postponed, with reports linking the delay to the President’s schedule.
Beyond the presidential recognition, the Flamingos have also received support from the National Assembly. The Senate announced a ₦100 million donation to the players on Tuesday in recognition of their historic achievement.
The team’s success has renewed attention on the development of women’s football in Nigeria, particularly the importance of investing in young players, grassroots competitions and opportunities for female athletes.
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For the Flamingos, the reception at the State House represents another moment of national recognition after a campaign that delivered Nigeria’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title and Africa’s first victory in the competition.
