‘You have lifted the spirit of a nation,’ Akpabio hails Flamingos

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has congratulated Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic victory at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.

Akpabio described the triumph as a defining moment in Nigeria’s sporting history, saying it demonstrated the resilience, talent and potential of the Nigerian girl-child.

In a congratulatory message issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President said the team had brought honour and international recognition to the country.

He said the victory went beyond sporting achievement, describing it as a demonstration of courage, determination and excellence.

“By conquering the world at this youthful stage of your careers, you have inspired millions of young Nigerians, particularly the girl-child, to believe that no aspiration is too ambitious and no height is beyond attainment through discipline, hard work and perseverance,” he said.

Akpabio also commended the players, technical crew, coaching staff, the Nigeria Football Federation and others whose contributions helped secure the victory.

He urged the country to draw lessons from the achievement, stressing the need for sustained investment in young people as a pathway to national development and international competitiveness.

Akpabio defends suicide remarks amid calls for apology

The Senate President said the National Assembly would continue to support legislative and policy initiatives aimed at promoting grassroots sports development, gender inclusion, talent discovery and opportunities for young Nigerians.

He added that the Flamingos’ achievement had strengthened national pride and demonstrated Nigeria’s capacity to excel internationally when talent is matched with preparation and institutional support.

“Congratulations, our golden girls! Nigeria celebrates you, Africa applauds you, and history will remember you,” Akpabio said.