Get Guardian on GoogleThe Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, has described Nigeria’s Flamingos’ triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco as a testament to the resilience, determination and potential of Nigerian girls.
Benjamins-Laniyi, who congratulated the national U-17 women’s football team on its historic achievement, said the victory underscored what girls and women could accomplish when given the necessary opportunities, support and platforms to excel.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Head of Press and Public Relations Unit of the Centre, Nnamdi Iwuchukwu, the Director-General said the team’s journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of world football represented a defining moment for Nigerian women’s football and a source of national pride.
She noted that the achievement went beyond sporting success, demonstrating the importance of resilience, discipline, teamwork and determination in overcoming challenges.
According to her, the Flamingos’ accomplishment had not only elevated Nigeria’s standing in international women’s football but also secured a landmark achievement for the African continent.
She commended the players, technical crew, management and other stakeholders whose commitment and dedication contributed to the team’s success, urging them to sustain the momentum and remain positive role models for young girls across Nigeria and Africa.
Benjamins-Laniyi further reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment, leadership and excellence across different sectors, stressing that the team’s victory reinforced the need for sustained investment in the potential of the girl-child.
She described the Flamingos as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and an inspiration to a new generation of girls to dream, aspire and pursue excellence.
The Director-General added that the team’s success should serve as a reminder that Nigerian girls could compete and excel on the global stage when provided with the right environment and institutional support.
