Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has rallied Nigeria's U-17 women's national team, the Flamingos, to seize their historic opportunity and become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

Olopade gave the charge ahead of Saturday's final against Japan in Rabat, Morocco, following the Flamingos' impressive 3-1 semi-final triumph over Brazil, which secured Nigeria's first-ever appearance in the final of the competition.

The NSC boss urged the players to maintain their concentration, discipline and fighting spirit, stressing that they are just one victory away from achieving a historic milestone for Nigerian and African women's football.

“Keep your eyes on the prize. You are on the verge of writing your names in history as the first African team to win a women's World Cup at any level. We are all behind you, the National Sports Commission, the Federal Government, your families and millions of Nigerians. Keep your eyes on the ball till the very end,” Olopade charged.

He also praised the team's remarkable resilience in recovering from a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland to record five consecutive victories and secure their place in the final.

 The Flamingos responded with victories over Puerto Rico (2-0) and defending champions North Korea (3-1) before eliminating Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16 and edging Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals through a late penalty converted by captain Azeezat Oduntan.

Against Brazil, Queen Joseph broke the deadlock in the 56th minute before Awawu Bashiru scored twice in the 71st and 80th minutes to complete an emphatic victory and send Nigeria into uncharted territory.

Olopade further recalled the team's triumph at the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship before their departure for Morocco, noting that their impressive progression from regional champions to global finalists reflects the growing potential of women's football in Nigeria.

Nigeria's previous best performance at the tournament was a bronze-medal finish at the 2022 edition in India. 

However, their qualification for Saturday's final has already guaranteed the country its best-ever finish in the competition.

With Japan standing between them and an unprecedented triumph, the Flamingos will have the opportunity to make African football history when both sides clash on Saturday, November 7, in Rabat, as Nigeria seeks to bring home its first-ever FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title.