Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, have returned home days after winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, following their victory over Japan to become the first African team to lift the trophy.
The Flamingos made history after goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku secured a victory over Japan in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco.
The victorious team arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on Monday morning.
Officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and supporters were at the airport to receive the players and their officials upon arrival.
The Flamingos reached their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final after defeating Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals on November 4.
Under head coach Hakeem Busari, the team bounced back from an opening defeat to Poland, recording victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea in the group stage before eliminating Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil in the knockout rounds.
Nigeria defeated Puerto Rico 2-0 and North Korea 3-1 in the group stage before beating Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16, Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals and Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals.
Speaking after the final, head coach Hakeem Busari credited the team’s sports psychology guidance and improved tactical confidence for their remarkable turnaround following the opening-match setback.
Captain Harmony Chidi described lifting the trophy as a moment that “will never be forgotten” by the team or the nation.
The World Cup triumph adds to an impressive year for the Flamingos, who arrived in Morocco as unbeaten WAFU-B U-17 champions after scoring 17 goals and conceding just once in Côte d’Ivoire earlier this year.