FIFA President Congratulates Flamingos After Historic U-17 Women’s World Cup Victory

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The Flamingos made history on Saturday, November 7, after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final played in Rabat to become the first African nation to win the competition.

In his congratulatory message, Infantino described Nigeria’s achievement as a landmark moment for African women’s football and praised the team for their performance.

“Congratulations to Nigeria, world champions of the Under-17 Women’s World Cup here in Rabat. First African team ever to win a Women’s Under-17 World Cup. So many congratulations to Nigeria, well deserved in the final,” he said.

The FIFA president also congratulated Japan for finishing as runners-up and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea), which secured third place.

He further commended Morocco for hosting the tournament, praising the facilities and organisation of the competition.

Nigeria secured the title through goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku. Bashiru opened the scoring in the first half before Umejiaku doubled the advantage shortly after the restart.

Japan pulled one goal back through Fuki Ito in the second half but could not find an equaliser as the Flamingos held on to claim the trophy.

The victory marked a major milestone for Nigeria’s youth women’s football programme and made the Flamingos the first African team to lift the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The triumph has also attracted congratulatory messages from across the country, including President Bola Tinubu, who praised the players for their determination and achievement.

Infantino’s message adds international recognition to a campaign that has placed Nigeria at the centre of global youth women’s football and given young female players across Africa a historic example of what they can achieve.

The Flamingos’ victory is expected to strengthen calls for sustained investment in grassroots football, youth development and opportunities for girls in sports.