The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos on their dramatic 1-0 victory over Venezuela in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, expressing confidence that the team can overcome Brazil and reach a historic final.
An 89th-minute penalty converted by A. Oduntan secured Nigeria’s semi-final ticket, extending the Flamingos’ winning streak to four matches following victories over Puerto Rico, North Korea and Mexico.
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Adeboye, who recently travelled to Morocco to personally support the team, described the performance as another demonstration of the remarkable fighting spirit, discipline and determination of Nigeria’s young female footballers.
“These girls are too good! Their fighting spirit is exceptional, and what they have achieved so far deserves national recognition. They have shown that Nigerian football has a very bright future,” Adeboye stated.
Looking ahead to Wednesday’s semi-final against Brazil, the Presidential aide challenged the Flamingos to maintain their confidence and approach the encounter without fear.
“Brazil must be ready for Nigeria. We respect their football pedigree, but our girls have demonstrated that they can compete with the best. They are just one victory away from making history, and I strongly believe they can reach the final,” he added.
Adeboye commended head coach Hakeem Busari and his technical crew for the team’s remarkable recovery following their opening defeat to Poland.
He stressed that the Flamingos’ achievements reinforce the need for sustained investment in grassroots sports, particularly girls’ football, talent identification and structured youth development.
According to him, the forthcoming National Grassroots Sports Development Summit, scheduled for November 18–19 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, will provide an important platform for strengthening opportunities for emerging Nigerian athletes.
“These girls represent the future we are working to build. We must create an environment where every talented Nigerian child can develop and succeed,” he said.
Adeboye urged Nigerians to rally behind the Flamingos as they pursue their first-ever World Cup final appearance.