The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, on winning the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to become the first African country to win the competition.

In a congratulatory message signed by Nneka Anibeze, special adviser on media and publicity to the minister, Musawa described the triumph as a proud moment for Nigeria and a landmark for African women’s football.

She said the achievement reflected the creativity, courage and excellence of Nigerian youth.

Musawa said the victory showed resilience, talent and belief, adding that the players had demonstrated determination after losing their opening match.

“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.

She noted that the Flamingos became the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the first African country to claim titles in both the men’s and women’s U-17 categories.

She said the Flamingos became the first team in the competition’s history to lose their opening match and then win the title, after a 2-1 defeat to Poland in the group stage before recording six consecutive victories.

The minister commended Umejiaku, who won the tournament’s Golden Ball award, and Bashiru for their decisive contributions in the final.

She praised the entire squad for their teamwork and discipline.

Ms Musawa reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to celebrating, protecting and promoting inspiring stories of young Nigerians.

“Our girls have shown the world what Nigeria is made of.

“We celebrate you today, and we will continue to stand with you,” she said.

Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute, while Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s lead two minutes into the second half.

Japan’s Fuki Ito pulled one back in the 80th minute, but Nigeria held on to secure the historic victory.

(NAN)