Nigeria’s newly crowned FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup champions, the Flamingos, are set to receive a presidential reception at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, November 11, with the ceremony scheduled for 1pm, SavidNews can exclusively report.

SavidNews understands that the Presidency has now fixed the long-awaited reception for the historic Nigerian team, following their return from Morocco with the country’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.

The Hakeem Busari-led Flamingos arrived in Abuja on Monday after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat to become the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.  

The development comes after an earlier plan for an immediate presidential reception was put on hold, with reports attributing the delay to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s schedule.  

President Tinubu had nevertheless congratulated the players following their historic victory, describing their triumph as a moment of immense pride for Nigeria and celebrating their fulfilment of the promise to return home with the trophy. The State House also formally issued congratulatory statement on the achievement. 

The Wednesday reception will provide the Presidency with an opportunity to formally celebrate the young champions whose remarkable campaign saw them recover from an opening defeat to Poland before winning six consecutive matches, including victories over defending champions DPR Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil, before defeating Japan in the final.  

The presidential audience is expected to add another major chapter to the Flamingos’ extraordinary homecoming, coming on the heels of other gestures of recognition for the team.

The Senate on Tuesday announced a ₦100 million donation to the players following their historic achievement. 

With the trophy now safely back on Nigerian soil, attention will turn to the State House on Wednesday as the nation’s newest world champions receive formal recognition at the highest level.