Nwankwo Kanu has joined the growing list of Nigerian football figures celebrating the Flamingos’ historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph, but the former Super Eagles captain believes their achievement carries significance beyond the trophy.
Kanu praised the young Nigerian internationals for making history in Morocco, highlighting their potential to inspire a new generation of girls to pursue football and believe in what they can achieve.
Reacting after Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final, the former Arsenal and Inter Milan forward took to X with a celebratory message that captured the excitement surrounding the country’s breakthrough.
“KAN U believe it! 🇳🇬🏆,” he wrote.
He followed the post with a congratulatory message, describing the team’s achievement as extraordinary and celebrating their place in Nigerian football history.
“History made! Congratulations to our incredible Flamingos on becoming the first Nigerian U-17 women’s team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. What an extraordinary achievement!
“You have made Nigeria proud, inspired a generation of young girls.”
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The Flamingos secured the historic title through goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose contributions proved decisive against Japan in the final.
Their victory also made Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, adding another significant milestone to the continent’s football history.
The achievement was particularly remarkable given the difficulties Akeem Busari’s side encountered at the beginning of the tournament.
Nigeria opened their campaign with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Poland, raising early questions about their prospects in the competition. However, the team responded with victories over Puerto Rico and North Korea to secure progression into the knockout rounds.
Their improvement continued through the subsequent stages, culminating in the victory over Japan that delivered Nigeria’s first title in the competition.
Japan had also arrived in the final with an impressive record, having defeated Zambia 5-0, Kenya 3-1 and Ghana 1-0 during the tournament.
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Kanu whose own career included major honours with Arsenal, Inter Milan and the Nigerian national team, the Flamingos’ achievement represents more than another international success.
As celebrations continue following the landmark victory, the Flamingos have given Nigerian football a new source of pride and young girls across the country another reason to dream of representing their nation.
