2026 U-17 WWC: Infantino salutes Flamingos after maiden title triumph

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The Nigerian girls clinched the title after defeating Japan’s Little Nadeshiko 2-1 in the final at Pitch 3 of the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat on Saturday night.

Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku handed Nigeria a comfortable 2-0 advantage before Fuki Ito scored a consolation goal for Japan.

Reacting to the historic achievement, Infantino praised the Flamingos for becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, describing their victory as well deserved.

“Congratulations to Nigeria, world champion U-17 Women’s World Cup of FIFA here in Rabat. First African team to ever win a (FIFA) Women’s U-17 World Cup — so many congratulations to Nigeria. Well deserved in the final,” he said.

Infantino also praised Japan and DPR Korea for finishing second and third respectively.

He also applauded Morocco for hosting a successful tournament.