Senate President Godswill Akpabio has congratulated Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
Gatekeepers News reports that Akpabio described the victory as a defining moment in Nigeria’s sporting history and a demonstration of the resilience, talent and potential of the Nigerian girl-child.
In a congratulatory statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio said the team had brought honour and international recognition to the country.
He said, “Your remarkable achievement is more than a sporting victory. It is a triumph of courage over limitations, determination over adversity and excellence over expectation.”
The Senate President said the victory had inspired millions of young Nigerians, particularly girls, to believe in their abilities and pursue their ambitions.
He added, “By conquering the world at this youthful stage of your careers, you have inspired millions of young Nigerians, particularly the girl-child, to believe that no aspiration is too ambitious and no height is beyond attainment through discipline, hard work and perseverance.”
Akpabio commended the players, technical crew, coaching staff, the Nigeria Football Federation and everyone whose dedication contributed to the achievement.
He also called for increased investment in young people, stressing that it was essential to national development and the country’s international competitiveness.
According to him, the National Assembly would continue to support legislative and policy initiatives promoting grassroots sports development, gender inclusion, talent discovery and opportunities for young people.
Akpabio further described the team’s achievement as a source of national pride, saying, “You have not merely lifted a trophy; you have lifted the spirit of a nation. You have strengthened our collective pride and reminded us that the Nigerian spirit, when properly harnessed, is capable of conquering the world.”
He wished the Flamingos greater accomplishments in their careers and Nigerian football.
