SNOW TV NEWS DESK
Nigeria’s triumphant U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have arrived in Abuja following their historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The young champions touched down in the nation’s capital on Monday morning, November 9, after achieving what no other African team had accomplished before: winning the global U-17 women’s football competition.
The Flamingos made history on Saturday by defeating Japan 2-1 in a thrilling final, with Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scoring the decisive goals that secured Nigeria’s maiden title.
Their victory marked a major milestone not only for Nigerian football but also for women’s football across Africa, as the team became the first African nation to lift the prestigious trophy.
The triumph was the culmination of an impressive campaign that had seen the Flamingos demonstrate consistency, resilience, and attacking quality throughout the tournament. Their success also followed a dominant performance at the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, where they won all five matches, scored 17 goals, and conceded just once.
Head coach Hakeem Busari praised his players for their determination, tactical discipline, and ability to rise to the occasion against some of the world’s strongest youth teams.
Reflecting on the final against Japan, Busari explained that his technical crew had carefully studied their opponents and adjusted their tactics to limit Japan’s ability to win second balls and exploit spaces behind the Nigerian defense.
He described the encounter as a demanding tactical contest that required concentration, teamwork, and effective game management.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the team, describing their achievement as a source of national pride and an important moment for African women’s football.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the president praised the players for their courage, discipline, and determination, noting that they had fulfilled their promise to bring the trophy home.
Tinubu also commended Bashiru and Umejiaku for their crucial goals while acknowledging the contributions of the entire squad, coaching staff, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the National Sports Commission.
Beyond the trophy, the president noted that the victory would inspire millions of young Nigerian girls to believe in their abilities and pursue their sporting ambitions.
For the Flamingos, this achievement goes beyond winning a football tournament. It represents a breakthrough for African women’s youth football and demonstrates what investment, preparation, teamwork, and determination can accomplish.
Their historic return to Nigeria marks the beginning of a new chapter, with the young champions having given the country another reason to celebrate.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
