Sports
Gusau Praises Flying Eagles’ Performance
Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, President of the NFF, has applauded the National U20 team for their impressive run in the semifinals of the AFCON U20 WAFU B tournament in Niger Republic.
Gusau, who watched their opening match, expressed his admiration: “I commend the Flying Eagles for reaching the final of the WAFU B U20 Championship and securing a place in the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations. Despite losing 0-1 to Burkina Faso in their first game, the team has shown remarkable improvement in every match since.”
“The NFF is thrilled with their performance. We believe they have what it takes to successfully defend their title against Ghana in Wednesday’s final.”
The reigning champions, Nigeria, advanced to the final of the 2024 WAFU B U20 Championship in style, overcoming Niger Republic’s Junior Mena 3-1 in Lome, which also secured their spot in next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
Niger took an early lead just nine minutes into the second semifinal at Stade Kegue, but Nigeria, undeterred, regrouped and dominated the game. They scored three outstanding goals to secure their place in the final against their West African rivals, Ghana, who had defeated Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 earlier.
Despite Niger’s pressure, Nigeria found their rhythm, leveling the score through Clinton Jephta in the 35th minute after a well-coordinated series of passes involving Kparobo Arierhi, Abba Maigari, and Nasiru Salihu.
Jephta struck again 13 minutes into the second half, putting Nigeria ahead, with goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt making crucial saves to preserve the lead. Olalekan Alonge sealed the victory with a third goal in stoppage time.
Sports
Flamingos’ Historic World Cup Feat Draws Musawa’s Commendation
Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to claim Nigeria’s first title in the competition and make history as the first African nation to win the tournament.
Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku extended the advantage two minutes after the restart. Japan’s Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian girls held on to secure a memorable victory.
In a congratulatory message was signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze on Sunday in Abuja, Musawa described the achievement as a defining moment for Nigeria and a significant milestone for African women’s football, attributing the success to the team’s resilience, talent and determination.
“This is more than a trophy. It is a story of young Nigerian girls who refused to give up, who rose after defeat, and who carried the hopes of a continent to the top of the world,” she said.
The Minister noted that the Flamingos had broken new ground by becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria also became the first African country to win both the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cup titles.
The team further achieved another remarkable feat by becoming the first side in the competition’s history to lose its opening match and eventually emerge champions.
Despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group-stage encounter, the Flamingos recovered impressively, recording six consecutive victories to lift the trophy.
Musawa particularly praised Umejiaku, who claimed the tournament’s Golden Ball award as the best player, and Bashiru for their crucial contributions in the final.
She also commended the entire squad for their discipline, teamwork and determination throughout the competition.
According to her, the victory demonstrates the creativity, courage and excellence of Nigerian youths on the global stage.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to celebrating and promoting the achievements and inspiring stories of young Nigerians who continue to bring honour to the country.
“Our girls have shown the world what Nigeria is made of. We celebrate you today, and we will continue to stand with you,” she added.
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