Onyeocha Backs Flamingos, Umejiaku for Historic World Cup Glory Against Japan
Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Obinna Onyeocha has thrown his weight behind Nigeria’s Flamingos and Heartland Queens forward, Oluebube Umejiaku, to conquer Japan in today’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final in Morocco.
Onyeocha expressed confidence in the Flamingos’ ability to make history by winning their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title when both countries clash on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The Commissioner particularly applauded Umejiaku’s impressive contributions to Nigeria’s campaign, describing the Heartland Queens attacker as one of the tournament’s most consistent performers.
He noted that the youngster’s performances on the global stage were a source of pride to Imo State and evidence of the benefits of identifying and nurturing football talents from the grassroots.
”Oluebube has demonstrated exceptional qualities and consistency in Morocco. We are proud of her, and we believe the Flamingos can go all the way to win the trophy for Nigeria,” Onyeocha said.
Onyeocha attributed Umejiaku’s emergence to the enabling environment created by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, whose administration has prioritised sports development, grassroots talent identification and opportunities for young athletes to develop their potential.
According to him, “the Governor’s commitment to creating opportunities for budding sportsmen and women has provided a platform for talents such as Umejiaku to be discovered, nurtured and exposed to bigger opportunities”.
The Commissioner urged other players in Heartland Queens and aspiring footballers across Imo State to draw inspiration from Umejiaku’s progress, stressing that dedication, discipline and consistent hard work remain essential ingredients for achieving sporting excellence.
The Flamingos have enjoyed an impressive recovery after losing their opening Group B encounter 2-1 to Poland on October 17.
Nigeria responded with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico on October 20 before announcing their arrival as serious contenders with a remarkable 3-1 triumph over defending champions North Korea on October 23.
They maintained their momentum in the Round of 16 with a 2-1 victory against Mexico on October 29, setting up a quarter-final encounter with Venezuela.
A late 89th-minute penalty converted by captain Azeezat Oduntan secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Venezuela on November 1 and sent Nigeria into the semi-finals.
The revered Sports Administrator recalled that Flamingos subsequently produced one of their finest performances of the competition, defeating Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals on November 4.
Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute before substitute Awawu Bashiru struck twice in the 71st and 80th minutes to complete a memorable victory and secure Nigeria’s maiden appearance in the competition’s final.
Umejiaku has also made her mark in the tournament, scoring twice and providing an important assist for Bashiru’s second goal against Brazil.
Nigeria’s qualification has already guaranteed the country its best-ever finish in the competition, surpassing its previous achievement of winning bronze at the 2022 edition in India.
Their opponents, Japan, booked their place in the final after defeating defending champions North Korea 4-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time on November 4.
The Japanese have also enjoyed an impressive campaign, winning all their matches before the final, including victories over Kenya, Ghana and North Korea.
The final, scheduled for 7:30pm today Nigerian time at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, presents the Flamingos with an opportunity to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Onyeocha urged the players to approach the decisive encounter with confidence, determination and collective responsibility, noting that their victory over Brazil had already brought immense pride and excitement to Nigerians.
He called on Nigerians, particularly the people of Imo State, to rally behind the Flamingos as they seek to crown their remarkable campaign with the ultimate prize.
