GTI Group, strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), have congratulated the Flamingos on their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, describing the achievement as a moment of immense national pride and a significant milestone for Nigerian and African football.

The Flamingos were crowned world champions on Saturday, November 7, 2026, after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final played in Rabat, Morocco. Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku secured Nigeria’s first-ever title in the competition, making the country the first African nation to win the tournament.

In a statement issued in Lagos by GTI Head of Media Publicity, Mr Andrew Ekejiuba, the group commended the young players for their courage, resilience, discipline and determination in overcoming formidable opposition to emerge world champions.

Ekejiuba noted that the victory was particularly significant given the concerns surrounding the performances of some of Nigeria’s national teams. He said the Flamingos had restored hope, rekindled national pride and demonstrated the country's abundance of football talent when provided with the right platform, preparation and institutional support.

“Flamingos have given Nigerians a compelling reason to celebrate. Their triumph is not just a victory for a football team; it is a victory for Nigeria, for African football and for every young girl who dreams of becoming a professional footballer.

“We are immensely proud of Flamingos for demonstrating that with commitment, discipline, teamwork and the right support, Nigerian football can rise to the highest level of international competition under the leadership of an indigenous Head Coach Akeem Busari,” he said.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership, technical crew, coaches, medical personnel, administrators and other stakeholders who supported the team's historic campaign.

The GTI spokesman urged the NFF to build on the achievement by establishing sustainable structures for women's football development in the country.

He further highlighted the commercial opportunities within Nigerian football, citing the country's population, abundance of young talent and strong passion for the game as factors that make the industry attractive to businesses and private investors.

“The success of Nigerian football should be a collective responsibility, requiring strong collaboration between government, private investors, football administrators, the media and other stakeholders. Therefore, Corporate Nigeria must rise to the occasion because the development of football cannot be left entirely to the government. The private sector has a critical role to play through sponsorships, investments in infrastructure, support for academies, grassroots competitions and professional clubs.

“GTI Group firmly believes that Nigerian football has enormous commercial and economic potential, and the Flamingos' victory is another convincing demonstration of what our country can achieve when talent is supported and given the right opportunity,” he said.

Ekejiuba stressed that the World Cup success should signal the beginning of a new chapter for Nigerian women's football, calling for deliberate efforts to nurture the players and provide them with opportunities for continued development.

He emphasised the need for a structured pathway to support their transition from the U-17 team to the U-20 Falconets and eventually the senior Super Falcons.

“The transition from the U-17 level to the U-20 category and eventually to the senior national team must be supported by a carefully designed development pathway, regular competitive exposure, quality coaching and professional football opportunities.

“Nigeria must not allow the momentum generated by the Flamingos' success to fade away, but should instead use the achievement as a springboard for sustained dominance in African and global women's football.

“The Flamingos have shown us what is possible. We must now build on this achievement by ensuring that these girls and other emerging talents are properly developed into the future stars of the Falconets and Super Falcons.

“Our desire should be to have a continuous production line of talented female footballers who can represent Nigeria successfully at every level of international competition.

“Therefore, Flamingos' World Cup victory must mark the beginning of a new era for Nigerian football that would remain a source of inspiration to millions of young Nigerians and serve as a reminder that the country's football future remains bright when the right investments, leadership and development structures are put in place,” he concluded.