President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, to defeat Japan and make history by winning the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The President gave the charge while congratulating the team on its historic qualification for the final following an impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final.

Nigeria took the lead in the 56th minute through Queen Joseph before Awawu Bashiru doubled the advantage in the 71st minute.

Bashiru completed her brace in the 80th minute to give Nigeria a commanding 3-0 lead, while Brazil scored a late consolation goal in the 89th minute.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the achievement as remarkable, noting that it had brought pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.

He urged the players to approach Saturday’s final with determination, confidence and the fighting spirit that had taken them this far.

The President also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young ambassadors of the country, assuring the team of the nation’s prayers, goodwill and support.

The Flamingos will face Japan in the final on Saturday, November 7, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco, with kick-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m. local time.

Nigeria will be seeking its first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title, having previously finished third in 2022.

A victory would also make Nigeria the first African country to win the competition.