President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 ladies’s nationwide staff, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the ultimate of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President additionally expressed confidence that the staff can defeat Japan in Saturday’s closing and win the nation’s first title within the competitors.
The Flamingos booked their place within the closing after defeating Brazil 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final on the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.
Queen Joseph opened the scoring within the 56th minute earlier than Awawu Bashiru struck twice within the 71st and eightieth minutes to provide Nigeria a commanding benefit. Brazil’s Greise Kelly scored a late comfort within the 89th minute.
In an announcement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Mr Tinubu described the qualification as a outstanding achievement that had introduced pleasure and pleasure to Nigerians at residence and overseas.
He additionally recommended the staff’s teaching crew and others whose contributions supported the Flamingos’ spectacular marketing campaign.
The President urged the gamers to keep up the dedication and confidence that had taken them to the ultimate, assuring them of the nation’s help.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he mentioned.
Mr Tinubu additionally known as on Nigerians to rally behind the staff, describing the gamers as younger ambassadors whose achievements might encourage extra ladies to pursue their sporting ambitions.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” he added.
A historic marketing campaign
The Flamingos’ qualification represents Nigeria’s first look within the closing of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup because the competitors started in 2008.
READ ALSO: Brazil 1-3 Nigeria: Super Flamingos reach historic U-17 Women’s World Cup final
Their earlier finest efficiency got here on the 2022 version in India, the place they completed third after defeating Germany within the bronze-medal match. They additionally reached the semi-finals in that event.
The staff’s journey in Morocco has been marked by a powerful restoration after a 2-1 opening-day defeat to Poland.
Under head coach Akeem Busari, Nigeria responded with victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions DPR Korea earlier than eliminating Mexico and Venezuela within the knockout rounds.
Their 3-1 victory over Brazil was significantly emphatic, with the Flamingos registering 35 makes an attempt on purpose towards the South Americans’ seven.
The end result additionally ended Brazil’s hopes of reaching their first closing within the competitors.
Nigeria will now face Japan in Saturday’s title decider, with each groups searching for their maiden U-17 ladies’s world crown.
The Flamingos have already secured Nigeria’s best-ever end within the competitors. A victory over Japan would, nevertheless, take the achievement additional by delivering the nation’s first world title at this stage.
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