Nigeria’s history-making Flamingos have returned home as world champions following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, with attention now turning to the recognition and rewards awaiting the victorious team from the Federal Government.
The Akeem Busari-led side arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at approximately 5:50 a.m. on Monday, November 9, aboard a Royal Air Maroc flight from Rabat, Morocco, bringing home the trophy after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final.
Their arrival was greeted with celebrations as Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials, supporters and well-wishers gathered to welcome the young champions.
The victory marked a historic milestone for Nigerian football, making the Flamingos the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku secured Nigeria’s victory over Japan, while Fuki Ito pulled one back for the Japanese in the 80th minute. The Flamingos, however, held on to claim the historic title.
Following their arrival, the team was expected to take the trophy on a victory parade through major parts of Abuja, giving Nigerians an opportunity to celebrate the players and their remarkable achievement.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier congratulated the team, describing their triumph as a proud moment for Nigeria and a landmark achievement for African women’s football.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the players for their courage, discipline, determination and collective commitment.
Tinubu also singled out Bashiru and Umejiaku for their decisive contributions in the final, while commending the coaching crew, the NFF and the National Sports Commission for their roles in the team’s success.
He further described the victory as an inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and creating opportunities for young people, particularly girls.
However, the formal presidential reception for the world champions has been postponed to a later date due to the President’s busy schedule. No new date has been officially announced.
Beyond the presidential recognition, expectations are growing over possible financial rewards and other national honours for the players and their officials in appreciation of their historic achievement.
The team has already received a $50,000 cash gift from Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, a friend of the National Sports Commission, following the final victory in Rabat.
FIFA does not award prize money to winners of the U-17 Women’s World Cup, as the competition is regarded as a developmental tournament, leaving national football authorities, governments and private sponsors to provide additional incentives.
For the Flamingos, their return marks the beginning of a new chapter after writing their names into Nigerian and African football history.
Their achievement has not only delivered Nigeria’s first title in the competition but also established a significant milestone for women’s football on the continent.
