Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has congratulated Nigeria’s Under-17 Women’s National Football Team, the Flamingos, following their historic victory over Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 on Saturday, November 7, to emerge champions for the first time in the history of the competition, becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Governor Nwifuru described the triumph as a defining moment in Nigeria’s sporting history and a source of immense national pride, noting that the achievement had elevated Nigeria and the African continent on the global women’s football stage.
In a congratulatory statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, the Governor commended the determination, discipline, courage and exceptional team spirit displayed by the young Nigerian footballers throughout the competition.
He particularly applauded Awawu Bashiru, who opened the scoring in the 39th minute, and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose 47th-minute strike doubled Nigeria’s advantage, describing their contributions as a reflection of the team’s quality and collective determination.
Although Japan reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito’s 80th-minute goal, Nwifuru noted that the Flamingos’ ability to withstand the late pressure and preserve their lead until the final whistle demonstrated their mental strength and competitive maturity.
The Governor said the victory went beyond sporting achievement, describing it as a powerful demonstration of the capacity of Nigerian youths to break barriers and accomplish extraordinary feats when provided with the right opportunities, encouragement and institutional support.
He urged governments, sports administrators and other stakeholders to draw inspiration from the achievement by increasing investment in grassroots sports development, particularly women’s football, and creating opportunities for emerging talents across the country.
Nwifuru also highlighted Ebonyi State’s investment in Abakaliki Football Club as part of his administration’s commitment to developing sports and nurturing young talents.
He congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Football Federation, the team’s technical crew, players, parents and millions of Nigerians who contributed to and celebrated the historic achievement.
The Governor encouraged the Flamingos to see their world title as the beginning of greater accomplishments, expressing confidence that their success would inspire more young Nigerians aspiring to excel in sports and other fields of human endeavour.
He further called on Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious and political differences, to celebrate the victory as a unifying national achievement, stressing that sports remained a powerful instrument for promoting national unity, patriotism and international recognition.
