Get Guardian on GoogleDirector General of National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has attributed Flamingos’ victory at the just concluded FIFA U-17 World Cup to the ‘strong foundation’ including their participation at Asaba 2025 National Youth Games.
The Flamingos made history in the late hours of Saturday, by emerging champions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, defeating Japan 2-1 in Rabat, Morocco. The victory makes Nigeria the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, bringing an end to the continent’s long wait for the global crown and rewarding the Flamingos for a remarkable campaign in Morocco.
Olopade, who was part of federal government’s delegation to Rabat, told The Guardian that Lagos State government played an active role in the victory, saying: “Nine players in this Flamingos’ squad were part of Team Lagos that won the female football gold medal at Asaba 2025 National Youth Games. You can see the importance of investing in youth,” Olopade said.
At the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba in 2025, the young lads from Lagos defeated host state Team Delta 5–4 on penalties after the game ended 1–1 at regulation time. Team Lagos come from a goal down to equalise deep into added time. You can see that the victory at the World Cup was a result of long investment on youth development,” he said.
Speaking further, Olopade described the victory as a triumph for all Nigerians and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and investment in sports.
“This is a victory for every Nigerian. We are grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his immense investment and commitment to the development of sports in the country. There could hardly be a better way for these young champions to appreciate that support than by bringing home a World Cup trophy. They have made the nation proud and shown what is possible when talent, preparation and the right support come together,” he said.
Meanwhile, chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, says the Flamingos’ achievement is a reflection of the nation’s sports rejuvenation, which must be sustained through reforms at all levels, stressing that building a strong foundation was essential to producing excellence at the highest level.
“When we get it right at the grassroots, the top will be corrected too. This victory is a powerful reminder that investing in young athletes, strengthening our development structures and creating opportunities for talent to thrive will deliver results for Nigeria,” Dikko stated.
