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• Says girls have written their names in gold, commends Bashiru, Umejiaku for decisive goals
• First Lady celebrates historic victory with song, dance in viral video
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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos for becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco.
The historic victory also sparked celebrations at the Presidency, with the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, captured in a viral video singing “Come and see what the Lord has done, it is marvelous in our sight” and dancing while seated as she watched the final.
The First Lady was seen expressing excitement as the Flamingos secured the landmark victory, with another clip showing her following the encounter before breaking into celebration at the final whistle.
Tinubu described the victory as a landmark achievement for African women’s football and a proud moment for Nigeria, saying the young players had demonstrated courage, discipline and determination in their historic campaign.
The President, who received the news upon his return from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, said the triumph was a fitting reward for the team’s commitment and belief in their ability to win the tournament.
In a congratulatory statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said: “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.
“To our gallant Flamingos, I say congratulations. You have shown courage, discipline, determination and the Nigerian spirit of never giving up.”
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The President recalled that he had followed the team’s progress throughout the competition, noting that the players had promised to bring the trophy home after their semi-final victory and had fulfilled that pledge.
“I followed your journey throughout this tournament, and after your semi-final victory, you promised to bring the trophy home. Today, you have kept that promise.
“You believed in yourselves, fought for one another and carried our nation’s flag to the very top of the world,” he said.
Tinubu said the victory would inspire millions of Nigerian girls who aspire to excel in sports and other fields, demonstrating that hard work, opportunity and determination could take them to the highest levels of achievement.
He particularly applauded Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured Nigeria’s historic victory, while commending the entire squad for their teamwork throughout the tournament.
The President also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their contributions to the team’s success.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development, Tinubu said the government would continue to invest in opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover, develop and fulfil their potential.
“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you.
“Congratulations once again, Flamingos. Thank you for making Nigeria proud,” he said.
