The Director-General/CEO of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has described the Flamingos’ victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup as a deserving gift to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in recognition of his unwavering support for sports development in Nigeria.
Shaibu made this statement following the Flamingos’ victory over Japan, a formidable force in women’s football, to clinch the world title.
According to him, the victory is particularly significant coming after the Super Falcons’ triumph at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, as well as Team Nigeria’s impressive performances at the West African and Commonwealth Games.
Shaibu noted that the Flamingos had set out to play seven matches in Morocco, achieving that target despite losing one match. The team subsequently bounced back, winning six consecutive matches and culminating their impressive campaign with victory over Japan in the final.
“With world football administrators seated in the stadium, it was a compelling time once again to be proudly Nigerian,” he said.
He added that President Tinubu’s appreciation for hard work would make the achievement even more memorable for the Flamingos, noting that the players would always cherish the moment in their football careers, particularly as they achieved it under his leadership.
While congratulating the players, coaching crew, backroom staff, Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission, Shaibu urged Nigerians to emulate the team’s spirit of hard work, commitment and dedication. He stressed that the country would always recognise and appreciate such qualities.
Although Shaibu refrained from making any pronouncement on behalf of the Federal Government regarding possible rewards for the team, he expressed confidence that President Tinubu would not disappoint.
He further noted that the Flamingos’ triumph would serve as a reference point and source of inspiration for other Nigerian sportsmen and women whenever they represent the country in the green-white-green jersey.
This was contained in a statement signed by
Callistus Ebare, Office of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer National Institute for Sports ADC Abuja.