The President of the Senate, Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has described Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s National Football Team, the Flamingos, as the pride of Africa and the world following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, declaring that their victory has opened a new chapter in the history of African women’s football.
Dr. Akpabio made this declaration on Wednesday in Abuja during a special reception organised in honour of the victorious team, following their unprecedented achievement as the first African nation to win a FIFA women’s football World Cup title.
Speaking shortly after being formally presented with the coveted trophy, the Senate President congratulated the players for bringing honour and international recognition to Nigeria, expressing confidence that their achievement would inspire greater ambitions in women’s football, including winning the senior FIFA Women’s World Cup.
He described the victory as a powerful demonstration of resilience, determination, discipline and the indomitable Nigerian spirit, noting that the team’s success reflected the possibilities of a nation committed to progress and excellence.
“The country cannot go backward. This President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is insisting that now that he has brought reforms into the country, the country must go forward.
“These children, you are the pride of the world today. You are the pride of Africa. The Flamingos. I want to, on behalf of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the National Assembly as a whole, congratulate you sincerely for bringing this beautiful trophy here,” Dr. Akpabio said.
The Senate President expressed personal delight at the opportunity to hold the World Cup trophy, recalling that he never had such an experience at the age of the young football stars.
“I must confess that when I was your age, I didn’t have the opportunity to touch a World Cup, but today, you have given me that opportunity to touch a World Cup.
“Your education is guaranteed, and I dare say your future is guaranteed because you have made your country proud. You have made Nigerians proud,” he declared.
In a further tribute to the team’s historic accomplishment, Akpabio noted that the Flamingos had not only won a prestigious international competition but had also raised the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerians, particularly young girls who now have a greater reason to believe in their dreams.
He recalled that the team left Nigeria carrying the nation’s flag and returned having achieved what no other African country had accomplished in the history of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
“You left Nigeria bearing our flag. You returned having carried it where no African nation had carried its own before—to victory at a FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
“In raising that flag, you lifted the spirit of a nation. Through your victory, Nigerians have found fresh reason to believe that great things are possible, that hope can be renewed and that the promise of a better Nigeria remains within our power to fulfil,” he said.
Dr. Akpabio particularly commended the team’s resilience, recalling that despite suffering an opening defeat, the young Nigerian footballers refused to surrender, responding with six consecutive victories to secure the historic title.
According to him, their remarkable comeback embodies the determination and fighting spirit for which Nigerians are known.
“Your opening defeat could have broken your confidence. Instead, you answered it with six successive victories.
“You have given fresh meaning to the words FIFA highlighted in its article on Manu Garba in 2019: ‘The will to win is part of Nigeria’s DNA.’ May every Nigerian facing a difficult hour remember your example and find the courage to persevere,” he stated.
The Senate President also acknowledged the contributions of the team’s coaches and officials, whose dedication and technical expertise helped transform the players’ potential into an outstanding international performance.
He equally commended the parents and guardians of the young champions for their sacrifices, encouragement and unwavering support throughout the team’s journey to glory.
Dr. Akpabio described the victory as a landmark achievement for Nigerian girls, stressing that it had demonstrated that gender should never constitute a barrier to ambition, excellence and national service.
“For every Nigerian girl, a door has opened and a ceiling shattered. She now knows that she can aspire to the highest peak and reach it. Long after the celebrations, that conviction will give her courage to pursue her own ambitions. This is the lasting legacy of your victory,” he said.
In recognition of the team’s outstanding achievement, Akpabio announced that the Senate had approved a donation of ₦100 million Naira to the Flamingos as a reward for their historic performance and an encouragement to pursue even greater accomplishments.
He said the gesture represented the appreciation of the Nigerian legislature for the honour the young footballers had brought to the country.
“Therefore, let our gratitude take a form more enduring than applause. The Senate has approved a donation of ₦100 million Naira to the Flamingos in recognition of your historic achievement. You have earned a place in our sporting history. Accept this gift as a mark of the nation’s esteem and encouragement to pursue greater victories,” he declared.
At the reception, the Senate President presented envelopes to individual members of the team as part of the process of redeeming the ₦100 million donation earlier pledged by the Senate in recognition of their outstanding performance.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi, described the Flamingos’ achievement in Morocco as extraordinary and one that would remain indelible in Nigeria’s sporting history.
He assured the players that the Senate and Nigerians at large would continue to celebrate their remarkable accomplishment, noting that their names would be permanently associated with one of the greatest milestones in the nation’s sporting journey.
“What you achieved in Morocco is indescribable. Therefore, the Senate and Nigerians in general will not forget what you have done. Your names will be written in gold until you retire, until you become mothers. Your names will always be remembered for what you have achieved in Morocco,” Ningi said.
He urged the young champions to remain proud of their achievement, emphasising that their victory had brought relief, happiness and renewed hope to millions of Nigerians at home and abroad.
The reception was a celebration of national pride, sporting excellence and the determination of young Nigerians to excel on the global stage.
The Senate President reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to initiatives that promote youth development, sports, education and opportunities for Nigerian talents to compete and succeed internationally.
He expressed optimism that the Flamingos’ historic triumph would inspire a new generation of female athletes to pursue their dreams and further strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading force in global women’s football.
The Flamingos have not only won a trophy; they have made history, inspired a generation and given Nigeria another reason to believe in its greatness.
EmemMaria Ntedodom Offiong, nipr.
Deputy Director (Head: Information, Press and Public Relations)
+2347082203400
emy.offiong@fmino.gov.ng
12th November, 2026
