Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s National Football Team, the Flamingos, describing the team as worthy ambassadors of the country following their historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, commended the young players for their determination, resilience, discipline and fighting spirit, describing their triumph as a moment of national pride and a remarkable achievement for Nigerian football.
Governor Ododo noted that the Flamingos demonstrated the true Nigerian spirit throughout the tournament and made history by defeating Japan 2-1 in the final to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Governor recalled that the team’s journey to the title was marked by determination and a remarkable comeback after losing their opening group match 2-1 to Poland describing the feat as a significant milestone for women’s football in Nigeria and on the African continent.
He noted that the Nigerian girls sustained their impressive performance with victories over Mexico in the Round of 16, Venezuela in the quarter-finals and Brazil in the semi-finals before overcoming Japan in the final to lift the trophy.
According to the Governor:
“ I followed the team’s progress and I saw the determination displayed by the girls with a remarkable comeback after losing the opening group match 2-1 to Poland. You showed the true definition of the Nigerian spirit with victories over Puerto Rico and the defending champion, North Korea and also defeated Mexico, Venezuela Brazil and the eventual victory over Japan to win the final game in a historic fashion. We are indeed proud of you as a nation and you have demonstrated what it means to unite our people through sports and to invest in the girl child.”
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for investing in the future of young Nigerians and sports development which he noted inspired the Nigerian girls all the way to victory in the tournament.
Governor Ododo commended the players, coaching crew and the Nigeria Football Federation for their contributions to the historic achievement, noting that their collective efforts had brought honour to Nigeria and Africa.
He said the victory had demonstrated the immense potential of Nigerian youths and the need for sustained investment in grassroots sports development, particularly women’s football, to provide more opportunities for young talents to excel on the international stage.
The Governor urged the Flamingos to remain focused and committed to their careers, adding that their achievement would inspire a new generation of Nigerian girls to pursue their dreams and contribute to the growth of sports in the country.
