Tinubu particularly applauds Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured the historic victory.
By Kehinde Okeowo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos for making history after lifting the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time, following their 2-1 victory over Japan on Saturday.
He expressed his joy on Saturday night in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The Flamingos made history after defeating Japan in the final played at the Mohammed VI Football Complex (Pitch 4) in Rabat, Morocco.
The Nigerian girls were aiming to win the title for the first time, while their Japanese counterparts were targeting their second crown.
Awawu Bashiru found the net in the 39th minute of the first half against the Asian side to give Nigeria the lead.
Oluebube Umejiaku then doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 47th minute to give the Flamingos a two-goal cushion.
However, the Japanese pulled one back through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but the West Africans held on in the second half to secure their historic victory.
Reacting after receiving the cheering news upon his return from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, President Tinubu hailed the girls and their coaching crew for the historic feat.
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He also congratulated the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the team’s success.
He further noted that the maiden triumph was a proud moment for the nation and a landmark achievement for African women’s football.
”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.
”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.
”Your victory is an inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls who dream of achieving greatness. You have shown them that with hard work, opportunity and determination, they too can reach the highest levels of achievement.
”Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you.”
Tinubu particularly applauded Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured the historic victory, while commending the entire squad for their exceptional teamwork throughout the tournament.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover, nurture and fulfil their potential.
”Congratulations once again, Flamingos. Thank you for making Nigeria proud,” the President added.
