FLAMINGOS vs JAPAN: OZEKHOME CHARGES GIRLS TO MAKE HISTORY IN RABAT
By Cerutti Media
Nigeria's Flamingos will tonight, Saturday, November 7, 2026, by 7:30pm Nigerian time, face Japan in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.
It is a historic night — the first time any African team has ever reached the final of the tournament.
Ahead of the game, Cerutti Media spoke to renowned constitutional lawyer and football lover, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, CON, who charged the girls to go and make history.
Prof. Ozekhome said the Flamingos have already broken a barrier no African team has ever broken, after losing their opening game 2-1 to Poland and then winning five straight games, including a 3-1 win over defending champions North Korea and a 3-1 win over Brazil in the semi-final.
He described the team as a true reflection of the Nigerian spirit — resilient, talented and unstoppable.
On Japan, Prof. Ozekhome warned that the Asians are experienced, disciplined and patient, having reached their fourth final after winning the title in 2014. He advised the Flamingos to keep their shape, defend as a team, stay calm under pressure, take their chances early, and never lose concentration, especially in the last minutes.
According to him, just like in law, you do not win by noise, you win by preparation, facts, focus and a strong finish.
He also urged the girls to see pressure as a privilege, to share the load, encourage each other, and play with joy and belief for their families, their schools and over 200 million Nigerians standing behind them.
Prof. Ozekhome noted that victory tonight would make Nigeria the first African nation to win the U-17 Women's World Cup, and the first to win both the men's and women's U-17 titles, a feat that would inspire millions of young girls and put Nigeria back on top of world football.
He charged Coach Akeem Busari and the team to target history and finish the job, saying: "You have already made Africa proud, now go and bring the cup home. Play fearless, play together, play with love for your country. Tonight is not just a final, it is destiny."



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