‘You Are The Pride Of Africa, The World’, Akpabio Lauds The Flamingos Over World Cup Victory
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has described the Nigeria women’s national under-17 football team as the pride of Africa and the world for their victory at the World Cup tournament last weekend.
Akpabio made the statement on Wednesday in Abuja at a brief reception held in honour of the Nigeria’s team for the historic victory of being the first African nation to ever win a FIFA women’s football World Cup title.
Speaking shortly after he was formally presented the trophy, the Senate President remarked that Nigeria would henceforth aimed at winning the Female World Cup.
Akpabio said: “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.”
Showering praises on the team further, 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.”
At the reception, Akpabio handed envelopes to each member of the team to redeem the 100 million naira which the Senate pledged for the entire team on Tuesday as a reward for their performance.
In his welcome address, 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,” he said.
Senator Ningi told the players to beat their chest that they have brought succour and smiles to the faces of Nigerians.
