Flamingos return to Nigeria after historic World Cup triumph

The Flamingos made history on Saturday, defeating Japan 2-1 in the final to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

Bonface Osano, Marabou News Agency

Nigeria’s newly crowned world champions, the Flamingos returned to Abuja to a heroes’ welcome following their historic triumph at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The team arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the early hours of Monday, where officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and supporters gathered to receive the players and members of the technical bench.

The Flamingos made history on Saturday, defeating Japan 2-1 in the final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage two minutes into the second half. Japan pulled one back through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but the Flamingos held firm to secure the historic victory.

For captain Harmony Chidi, returning home with the trophy was a moment of immense pride after a campaign that tested the team’s resilience.

“It is a thing of honour, it’s a thing to be happy about and I thank my teammates, the coaching staff, everybody that was praying for us and the hard work. I think it really paid off for us. So, we are so happy that at least we came back with the trophy for the first time.”

Chidi also recalled the emotions surrounding their final victory, describing the moment as unforgettable.

“You know this celebration that God, is this you, are we having the trophy? So, it was something that can never be forgotten in life.”

Nigeria’s road to the title was far from straightforward. The Flamingos began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland but recovered with victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea before navigating the knockout stages.

The captain believes that opening setback became a turning point in the team’s campaign.

“It was the first game. I think it was the game that gave us morale that the World Cup that we came for is not child’s play. It’s something that we have to work extra hard. If before you were putting in 100%, you have to double it to 200% for us to get the result. We talked to ourselves to make sure that everybody is at peace and we work together and it really came true for us.”

Head coach Akeem Busari also acknowledged the challenges the team faced, praising his players for their response after the difficult start.

“It was not an easy task but nevertheless we just had to really come out of our shell to really play. We needed the trophy; we had to go for it. Our first game was so rough but eventually we ran from the storm and equally we were able to come out of it and get better.”

The celebrations are also a recognition of individual excellence, with Umejiaku claiming the tournament’s Golden Ball award.

For Nigeria, the homecoming marks the beginning of celebrations for a team that has not only delivered the country’s first FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup title but also made history as the first African champions of the competition.

Editor: George Mutero

Marabou News Agency

The post Flamingos return to Nigeria after historic World Cup triumph appeared first on Sports Network Africa.