President Bola Tinubu has described Nigeria’s historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup victory as a breakthrough for African women’s football, saying the Flamingos’ triumph has demonstrated the capacity of Nigerian girls to excel on the global stage.

The President said the 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco, had placed Nigeria and the continent in a new chapter of football history.

Tinubu’s position was contained in a congratulatory message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following the team’s emergence as champions.

The Flamingos became the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 2008, ending the continent’s long wait for the title.

The President said the achievement was more than a sporting success, describing it as a source of inspiration for young Nigerians, particularly girls seeking opportunities to pursue careers in sports.

“What wonderful news to return home to! Our young girls have conquered the world and given Nigerians everywhere another reason to celebrate our great country,” Tinubu said.

He noted that the players had fulfilled their promise to win the trophy after their semi-final victory, attributing their success to courage, discipline, teamwork and determination.

Tinubu singled out Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured Nigeria’s victory over Japan, while commending the entire squad for their contribution to the historic campaign.

He also praised the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their roles in preparing the team for the competition.

The President said the victory reinforced the need to create opportunities for young Nigerians to discover and develop their talents, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development, particularly for girls.

According to him, the Flamingos’ achievement has established them in the nation’s sporting history and shown what young Nigerians can accomplish when given the necessary support.

“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you,” he said.

Tinubu urged the players to sustain their winning mentality, describing their achievement as a lasting source of national pride.

Nigeria’s victory was secured through goals from Bashiru, who opened scoring in the 39th minute, and Umejiaku, who doubled the lead shortly after the restart.

Japan reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the closing stages but could not overturn Nigeria’s advantage as the Flamingos held on to win the title.

The triumph also made Nigeria the first African country to win both the FIFA U-17 Men’s and Women’s World Cups.