Nigeria’s victorious U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, arrived in Abuja on Monday morning following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The team landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on November 9, two days after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat to win their first title in the competition.

The victory made Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the first African women’s national team to claim a FIFA World Cup trophy.

Nigeria secured the historic win through goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku. Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Umejiaku doubled the advantage two minutes into the second half.

Japan reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but the Flamingos held on to secure the title.

The achievement marked a significant milestone for Nigerian and African women’s football, with the team overcoming several opponents on its way to the trophy under head coach Hakeem Busari.

The Nigeria Football Federation described the victory as a landmark achievement, noting that the Flamingos had recovered from an opening-match defeat to Poland to win their next six matches and lift the trophy.

President Bola Tinubu had congratulated the players, technical crew and officials following the victory, describing their achievement as a source of national pride and an inspiration to young girls across the country.

The team’s return to Abuja marks the homecoming of a squad whose historic performance has placed Nigeria at the top of the global U-17 women’s game.