Sports
Flamingos’ Historic World Cup Feat Draws Musawa’s Commendation
Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to claim Nigeria’s first title in the competition and make history as the first African nation to win the tournament.
Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku extended the advantage two minutes after the restart. Japan’s Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian girls held on to secure a memorable victory.
In a congratulatory message was signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze on Sunday in Abuja, Musawa described the achievement as a defining moment for Nigeria and a significant milestone for African women’s football, attributing the success to the team’s resilience, talent and determination.
“This is more than a trophy. It is a story of young Nigerian girls who refused to give up, who rose after defeat, and who carried the hopes of a continent to the top of the world,” she said.
The Minister noted that the Flamingos had broken new ground by becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria also became the first African country to win both the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cup titles.
The team further achieved another remarkable feat by becoming the first side in the competition’s history to lose its opening match and eventually emerge champions.
Despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group-stage encounter, the Flamingos recovered impressively, recording six consecutive victories to lift the trophy.
Musawa particularly praised Umejiaku, who claimed the tournament’s Golden Ball award as the best player, and Bashiru for their crucial contributions in the final.
She also commended the entire squad for their discipline, teamwork and determination throughout the competition.
According to her, the victory demonstrates the creativity, courage and excellence of Nigerian youths on the global stage.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to celebrating and promoting the achievements and inspiring stories of young Nigerians who continue to bring honour to the country.
“Our girls have shown the world what Nigeria is made of. We celebrate you today, and we will continue to stand with you,” she added.
Sports
Nwankwo, Bright Gift Make History With 100m Gold Double
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria has struck gold twice in the athletics events at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, with Rosemary Chigozie Nwankwo and Gift Bright powering their way to historic victories in the women’s and men’s 100m finals.
Nwankwo became the third Nigerian to win the women’s 100m title in Youth Olympic Games history after producing a superb wind-assisted performance of 11.16 seconds to claim gold.
The Nigerian sprinter edged out Arwa Ali and Dana Salem to secure the title, capping an impressive campaign in which she had also posted the fastest time across the semi-final heats.
Gift Bright followed with another outstanding performance, becoming the first Nigerian to win the men’s 100m title at the Youth Olympic Games.
Bright dominated the final in a personal-best time of 10.28 seconds, finishing ahead of Zhang Hangyu, who clocked 10.57 seconds, and Szymon Dolega, who crossed the line in 10.61 seconds.
The double triumph marks a significant achievement for Nigeria’s young athletes and further strengthens the country’s medal campaign at the continental Youth Olympic Games.
The victories also underline the depth of emerging sprint talent in Nigeria, with Nwankwo and Bright delivering performances that have placed their names in the history of the Youth Olympic Games.
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