National Institute for Sports (NIS) Director-General and CEO Philip Shaibu believes Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s team, the Flamingos, are capable of winning the ongoing 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Shaibu said the team had demonstrated the qualities required to become world champions, having followed their preparations in Nigeria and approved of the final squad selected for the tournament.

The former professional footballer praised the Flamingos’ approach to the competition, particularly their ability to apply a tactical plan on a match-by-match basis. He said the players’ performances so far had underlined their credentials as serious contenders for the title.

Shaibu stressed that success at international tournaments requires more than technical ability. In his view, focus, discipline and the capacity to adapt are equally important when facing different opponents and circumstances.

He also commended the players for responding positively to the instructions of the technical crew. According to Shaibu, every fixture requires its own tactical approach and mindset, and the Flamingos have shown that they can listen, adjust and execute their game plans under pressure.

The NIS director-general made his comments as Nigeria prepared to face Brazil. He called on Nigerians to support the team and noted that several leading rivals had already been eliminated from the tournament.

“We should have butterflies in our stomachs because all the Asian teams have fallen. The Americans are next,” Shaibu stated.

Despite the challenge posed by Brazil, Shaibu remains confident that Nigeria can go all the way and return with the trophy. His assessment is based on the team’s disciplined performances and their ability to follow the tactical instructions provided by the coaching staff.

He concluded by urging the players to stay grounded during the remainder of the competition. Shaibu warned them against distractions and encouraged them to preserve their clinical edge as they pursue global success.

The Flamingos’ objective, he said, should remain firmly focused on completing their campaign as champions of the 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup.