…Says, We should have butterflies in our stomachs because all the Asian teams have fallen, the Americans are next.”
The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H.E. Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has expressed strong confidence in the Nigeria U-17 Women’s National Team, the Flamingos, to go all the way and bring home the trophy, following their impressive performances at the ongoing competition.
The DG, who disclosed that he had followed the team’s preparations before their departure, said he was encouraged by what he saw during their training sessions, adding that he was familiar with some of the players and had personally identified a few of them.
According to him, his confidence in the team’s potential was further strengthened after seeing the final squad selected by the technical crew.
He commended the team’s approach to the competition, particularly its philosophy of taking each match as it comes, stressing that every game requires a different level of preparation, programme and attitude.
Shaibu, having played football on a professional level, noted that the players’ ability to understand and assimilate instructions from the technical team was another positive indication of their readiness to compete at the highest level.
He emphasised that the pathway to winning the trophy lies in maintaining focus and approaching every match with determination, rather than looking too far ahead. He expressed the belief that the team’s seven-game strategy would yield the desired result, adding that their performances in the opening matches had further convinced him of their ability to achieve the ultimate goal.
The NIS boss also urged Nigerians to remain expectant and supportive of the young players, expressing optimism that, with the Asian teams already out of the way, the Flamingos have what it takes to overcome their remaining opponents, including the Americans, and ultimately bring the trophy home.
Signed:
Ben Ogbemudia,
S. A. Media,
Office of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer National Institute for Sports ADC Abuja.