Nelson Utip
The Senate President , Godswill Akpabio has described the Nigeria Women National under-17 football team as the pride of Africa and the world for their victory at the World Cup tournament last weekend.
He stated this on Wednesday in Abuja during a reception held in honour of the team for the historic victory of being the first African nation to ever win a FIFA women’s football World Cup title.
After he was presented the trophy, the Senate President said that the next target is for Nigeria to win the Female World Cup.
“The country cannot go backward. This President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is insisting that now that he has brought reforms into the country, the country must go forward.
“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.
“I must confess that when l was your age, l didn’t have the opportunity to touch a World Cup but today, you have given me that opportunity to touch a World Cup.
“Your education is guaranteed and l dare say your future is guaranteed because you have made your country proud. You have made Nigerians proud.” Akpabio said.
“You left Nigeria bearing our flag. You returned having carried it where no African nation had carried its own before—to victory at a FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
“In raising that flag, you lifted the spirit of a nation. Through your victory, Nigerians have found fresh reason to believe that great things are possible, that hope can be renewed and that the promise of a better Nigeria remains within our power to fulfil.
“Your opening defeat could have broken your confidence. Instead, you answered it with six successive victories.
“You have given fresh meaning to the words FIFA highlighted in its article on Manu Garba in 2019: ‘The will to win is part of Nigeria’s DNA.’ May every Nigerian facing a difficult hour remember your example and find the courage to persevere.
“We salute your coaches and officials, whose patient labour turned promise into performance, and your parents and guardians, who sustained you when the rewards seemed distant from the sacrifices.
“For every Nigerian girl, a door has opened and a ceiling shattered. She now knows that she can aspire to the highest peak and reach it. Long after the celebrations, that conviction will give her courage to pursue her own ambitions. This is the lasting legacy of your victory.
“Therefore, let our gratitude take a form more enduring than applause. The Senate has approved a donation of ₦100 million to the Flamingos in recognition of your historic achievement. You have earned a place in our sporting history. Accept this gift as a mark of the nation’s esteem and encouragement to pursue greater victories.” He continued.
Sen. Akpabio handed envelopes to each member of the team during the reception, to redeem the 100 million naira which the Senate pledged for the entire team on Tuesday as a reward for their performance.
Welcoming the victorious team, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi said what the team achieved in Morocco was indescribable.
“Therefore the Senate and Nigerians in general will not forget what you have done. Your names will be written in gold until you retire, until you become mothers. Your names will always be remembered for what you have achieved in Morocco.” Ningi said.
He told the players to beat their chest that they have brought succour and smiles to the faces of Nigerians.
