The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated the Nigeria U-17 Women’s National Team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

In a statement signed by the Association’s Secretary General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin described the Flamingos’ 3–1 semi-final victory over Brazil as a landmark achievement for Nigerian football and a testament to the quality, resilience and potential of the country’s emerging female footballers.

Nigeria produced an impressive performance against Brazil at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, with Queen Joseph opening the scoring before Awawu Bashiru netted twice to secure the Flamingos’ first-ever appearance in the final. Greise Kelly scored Brazil’s consolation goal late in the encounter.

SWAN noted that the achievement was particularly remarkable given Nigeria’s 2–1 opening-match defeat to Poland. The team recovered from that setback to record a series of impressive results and reach the championship decider, becoming the first nation since 2014 to achieve the feat, according to FIFA.

“On behalf of SWAN and the entire sports journalism community in Nigeria, I warmly congratulate the Flamingos on this extraordinary achievement,” Benjamin said.

“This is more than a place in a World Cup final. It is a demonstration of character, discipline, talent and belief. These young Nigerians have carried the hopes of millions at home and represented Nigeria and Africa with distinction on the global stage.”

The SWAN President also praised head coach Hakeem Busari, his technical crew and the players for their preparation, tactical discipline and performances throughout the tournament, describing their success as evidence of the potential of homegrown Nigerian coaches.

He particularly commended the team's response to the opening-day defeat against Poland, observing that the Flamingos had improved with every game to deliver one of the most significant achievements in Nigerian youth women's football.

SWAN also congratulated the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for its role in developing and supporting the team, while acknowledging the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its institutional commitment to Nigerian sports and national teams.

“This achievement belongs first and foremost to the players and their coaches, but it is also a reflection of the work being done across the football and sports administration ecosystem,” he added.

“We commend the NFF for providing the platform and support for these young talents to compete and excel at the highest level, and we appreciate the National Sports Commission for its continued commitment to the development of Nigerian sports.

“We urge all stakeholders to sustain this support, because the investment being made in these young players today will shape the future of Nigerian football tomorrow.”

The association further recognised the contributions of parents, grassroots coaches, clubs, supporters and other stakeholders whose efforts have helped nurture the players now representing the country on the global stage.

Benjamin urged Nigerians to rally behind the Flamingos as they prepare to face Japan in Saturday's final. Japan secured its place in the decider after defeating defending champions DPR Korea on penalties.

Although Japan present another technically strong challenge, Nigeria will head into the final with confidence, having already defeated the Asian side 3–1 during the group stage.

“SWAN calls on Nigerians to continue supporting these young women. They have already made history, but they have earned the opportunity to write an even greater chapter,” Benjamin said.

“We wish the Flamingos the very best in the final. Go out there, play with the same courage and discipline, and bring the trophy home. Nigeria and Africa are proud of you.”

The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup final is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.