Tinubu, Akpabio, Obi, Okpebholo hail Flamingos’ historic World Cup victory

• First Lady celebrates triumph with song, dance From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja and Tony Osauzo, Benin President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, have hailed Nigeria’s Flamingos for making history as the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, following their 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco. The historic triumph sparked celebrations across the country, including at the residence of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who was captured in a video singing a song of praise and dancing while seated in celebration of the young footballers’ achievement. The Flamingos secured the trophy through goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, who scored in the 39th and 47th minutes respectively, before Japan reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute. The victory capped a remarkable campaign in which the Nigerian girls recovered from an opening defeat to Poland to record five consecutive victories, overcoming defending champions North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil on their way to the historic final. In a congratulatory statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the achievement as a proud moment for Nigeria, saying the players had demonstrated courage, discipline, determination and the resilience associated with the Nigerian spirit. Tinubu, who received news of the victory upon returning from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, said the Flamingos had fulfilled their promise to bring the trophy home and given Nigerians another reason to celebrate their country. “What wonderful news to return home to! Our young girls have conquered the world and given Nigerians everywhere another reason to celebrate our great country. “To our gallant Flamingos, I say congratulations. You have shown courage, discipline, determination and the Nigerian spirit of never giving up.” Tinubu recalled following the team’s progress throughout the tournament, particularly their semi-final victory, after which the players promised to return home with the trophy. “I followed your journey throughout this tournament, and after your semi-final victory, you promised to bring the trophy home. Today, you have kept that promise. “You believed in yourselves, fought for one another and carried our nation’s flag to the very top of the world,” he said. Tinubu said the achievement would inspire millions of Nigerian girls aspiring to excel in sports and other fields, demonstrating that talent, hard work and determination, when supported by opportunities, could produce outstanding results. He particularly commended Bashiru and Umejiaku for scoring the goals that secured the victory, while applauding the entire squad, coaching crew, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and National Sports Commission (NSC) for their contributions to the success. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and the expansion of opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover and develop their talents. “Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you. “Congratulations once again, Flamingos. Thank you for making Nigeria proud,” he said. Similarly, Akpabio described the players as Nigeria’s “Golden Girls”, saying their victory had brought honour to the country and demonstrated the capacity of African girls to compete successfully at the highest level of international football. In a congratulatory message issued by his Media Office and signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, the Senate President said the achievement transcended Nigerian football and represented a landmark moment for the African continent. Tinubu commissions Bodo-Bonny Road amidst fanfare as Julius Berger delivers landmark infrastructure2027: Tinubu, APC endangering democracy, PDP allegesNDC challenges Tinubu over Nigeria’s finances “By achieving this remarkable feat, you have made Nigeria the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. This is not just a victory for Nigerian football; it is a proud moment for the entire African continent,” he said. Akpabio commended the players for their talent, resilience, discipline and teamwork, attributing their success to the dedication of the squad, coaches and technical crew. “Your courage, determination, discipline, teamwork and fighting spirit have brought immense joy and honour to our nation. You have demonstrated that with talent, hard work and belief, no dream is beyond reach,” he said. He noted that the Flamingos had not only raised Nigeria’s flag on the global stage but also inspired a new generation of girls across Africa to believe in their abilities and pursue their ambitions. “You have not only won a trophy; you have won the hearts of millions of Nigerians and inspired a generation of young girls to dream big, believe in themselves and reach for greatness. “You are our pride, our champions and our Golden Girls!” Akpabio declared. Describing the players as history makers, he congratulated everyone who contributed to the victory, declaring: “The world has heard our victory song!” Also reacting, former Anambra State governor and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, described the triumph as a demonstration of the enormous potential of Nigerian youths when provided with opportunities to develop their talents. In a congratulatory message posted on his X handle shortly after Saturday’s final, Obi praised the players for their resilience, hard work, discipline and determination, saying they had earned a special place in the hearts of Nigerians. “Thank you for raising our flag high and bringing immense joy to our nation. “Your remarkable talent, resilience, hard work and dedication have earned you a special place in the hearts of Nigerians.” Obi maintained that the victory underscored the capacity of young Nigerians to excel globally through commitment, perseverance and determination, expressing optimism that the achievement would inspire others to pursue excellence in their chosen fields. “You have made our nation proud, and we truly appreciate your outstanding efforts. Congratulations, champions!” he added. In his congratulatory message, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, commended the players for overcoming formidable opponents throughout the competition and displaying the courage, discipline, teamwork and winning mentality required to emerge world champions. He said the achievement reflected the growing potential of women’s football in Nigeria and should encourage young girls across the country to pursue their dreams with confidence. The governor also praised the coaches, technical crew and support staff for their dedication, noting that the triumph demonstrated what Nigerian youths could achieve with hard work and the right support. He urged the players to sustain their winning spirit and remain worthy ambassadors of the country, assuring them of the continued goodwill and support of the people of Edo State. “The Flamingos have made Nigeria proud, and their victory is a triumph for the nation.” Okpebholo also congratulated the NFF and all Nigerians on the achievement, expressing hope that the victory would mark the beginning of greater successes for the country’s young female footballers on the international stage. Tags:

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