President Bola Tinubu has charged Nigeria’s Flamingos to go all the way and win the 2026 FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup in Morocco after their historic semi-final victory over Brazil.
The Flamingos stunned Brazil on Wednesday to reach their first-ever final of the age-grade competition — and now stand just one win away from Nigeria’s first global title in women’s football.
It was a night to remember in Morocco.
Queen Joseph opened the scoring before Awawu Bashiru grabbed a brilliant double to drown out Graise Kelly’s consolation goal for the Brazilians.
Brazil fought hard. Nigeria fought harder.
The Flamingos will now face Japan on Saturday in the final, with history beckoning.
Nigeria’s previous best at the competition was a bronze medal in 2022. This team has already gone one better. Now they want gold.
In a statement on Thursday, Tinubu charged the girls to “approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief” that brought them this far.
He called on all Nigerians to rally behind the team.
“I call on all Nigerians to rally behind the young ambassadors of the nation, whose achievements continue to showcase Nigeria’s sporting excellence and inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams uninhibited. Once again, Nigeria is proud of you,” the president said.
From the first whistle in Morocco, the Flamingos have played with courage, discipline and belief.
Now, 90 minutes stand between them and immortality.
On Saturday, an entire nation will be watching — and praying — as these young girls chase the biggest prize in women’s youth football.
Go Flamingos!
