Akpabio hails Flamingos as pride of Africa, announces N100m reward

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, 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.

Akpabio made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja during a special reception organised in honour of the team, which became the first African nation to win a FIFA women’s football World Cup title.

Congratulating the players, the Senate President said their achievement had opened a new chapter in African women’s football and demonstrated the resilience, determination and discipline of Nigerian athletes. He expressed confidence that the victory would inspire greater ambitions, including winning the senior FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“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,” he said.

Akpabio, who expressed delight at the opportunity to hold the World Cup trophy, assured the players that their education and future were guaranteed because of the honour they had brought to the country. He also said their triumph had inspired millions of Nigerians, particularly young girls, by demonstrating that gender should not be a barrier to ambition and excellence.

The senate president recalled that the Flamingos recovered from an opening defeat to record six consecutive victories and secure the historic title, describing their comeback as a reflection of the Nigerian spirit. He added that their achievement would inspire young girls to pursue their ambitions and reach the highest levels in their chosen fields.

Akpabio announced that the Senate had approved a donation of N100 million to the team in recognition of its historic achievement and as encouragement to pursue greater victories. At the reception, he presented envelopes to individual players as part of the process of redeeming the donation.

Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi, described the Flamingos’ achievement in Morocco as extraordinary and a milestone in Nigeria’s sporting history. He assured the players that the Senate and Nigerians would continue to celebrate their accomplishment, adding that their names would be remembered for bringing pride and happiness to the country.