Oyo State Governor and Presidential Candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has congratulated Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, on their historic triumph at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
Makinde described the team’s achievement as a demonstration of the talent, resilience, discipline and unity that define the Nigerian spirit.
The governor said the victory was not only a source of national pride but also an inspiration to Nigerians, particularly young people, on the importance of teamwork, determination and collective commitment to achieving success.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde said the Flamingos had demonstrated that Nigerian youths could achieve greatness when provided with the right support and opportunities.
He said, “This victory is a testament to the talent, discipline, determination and indomitable Nigerian spirit that our young athletes displayed throughout the competition.
“You have made our nation proud and demonstrated to the world that Nigerian youths can achieve greatness when given the right support and opportunity.”
The governor noted that the team’s triumph carried lessons beyond football, stressing that unity, mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose were essential to overcoming challenges and building a stronger nation.
According to him, the ability of the Flamingos to stand together during difficult moments in the competition reflects the kind of cohesion Nigerians must embrace to achieve national development.
“Just as the Flamingos stood together through moments of pressure, our nation must continue to embrace cohesion, mutual respect and collective purpose in building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Makinde also congratulated the players, coaches, families and supporters of the team, as well as Nigerians who supported the young footballers throughout the competition.
He expressed hope that the historic achievement would motivate a new generation of Nigerian youths to pursue their ambitions with confidence, hard work and determination.
“May this historic triumph inspire a new generation of young Nigerians to dream big, work hard and believe in the limitless possibilities of our great nation,” the governor said.
He wished the team continued success, describing the players as champions who had brought honour to Nigeria.
