Flamingos Fly Into History: Nigeria’s Girls Face Japan for World Cup Glory as Tinubu Cheers Them On

On a Wednesday night in Morocco, a group of teenage girls did what no Nigerian side had done before. The Flamingos are now in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and on Thursday President Bola Ahmed Tinubu told them the whole country is behind them.

The Flamingos beat Brazil 3-1 in the semi-final on November 4. The win makes them the first African team to reach the final of the competition. It also takes them beyond their previous best finish, the bronze medal they won in 2022.

The Nigerian girls produced an impressive second-half performance. Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute, and Bashiru added two more. Brazil pulled one back in the 89th minute, but it was too late. Nigeria had 41 shots to Brazil’s eight.

It has been a nerve-shredding run. In the quarter-final, captain Azeezat Oduntan converted an 89th-minute penalty to beat Venezuela 1-0. The Flamingos also beat Mexico 2-1 in the round of 16.

In a statement from the State House, President Tinubu congratulated the team on a “remarkable achievement” that has brought immense pride and joy to millions of Nigerians at home and abroad. He also applauded the coaching crew and everyone who supported the campaign.

The President urged the players to stay focused, confident and determined, and he promised them the prayers and goodwill of the nation. “I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far,” he said. “I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title.”

He called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, saying their achievements showcase the country’s sporting excellence and inspire a new generation of girls to chase their dreams uninhibited. “Once again, Nigeria is proud of you,” he added. “Go for the trophy, Flamingos!”

The final is set for Saturday, November 7, at 7:30 pm Nigerian time. Japan reached it by beating North Korea 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. A win would give Nigeria its first-ever U-17 Women’s World Cup title.