Motsepe hails Nigeria’s Flamingos after historic U-17 World Cup final qualification

CAF president Patrice Motsepe has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos after they became the first African team to reach the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The Flamingos, coached by Akeem Busari, secured their place in Sunday’s final with a 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil in Rabat on Wednesday night.

Their achievement is the first time an African nation has reached the final of the competition.

Motsepe praised the Nigerian team and said their performance had made both Africa and CAF proud.

Nigeria and Ghana previously held Africa’s best records at the tournament, with both countries finishing third. Nigeria achieved that result in 2022, while Ghana finished third in 2012.

The Flamingos will face Japan in Sunday’s final in Rabat as they attempt to win the title and complete a historic campaign.

Motsepe is expected to attend the match.