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FIFA U17 Women World Cup: Sports Minister Salutes Historic Flamingos’ Semifinal Berth

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The Honourable Sports Minister Sunday Dare has congratulated the Nigerian U17 Women’s football team, Flamingos for their historic qualification for the semifinals of the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India.

Nigeria beat one of the tournament’s favourites United States of America 4-3 on penalties after playing to a 1-1 draw at full time on Friday.

The victory has ensured Nigeria’s best ever performance in the competition as she had never gone beyond the quarter final stage in previous editions.

In his congratulatory message to the team, the Sports Minister urged the Flamingos not to rest on their oars and thrive to go all the way.

“I salute your courage and tenacity. You have made history and done the nation proud. We have never reached this stage before so congratulations for achieving this feat.

“I want to challenge you not to rest on your oars. The trophy is in sight. Please keep your focus and keep thriving for the ultimate goal which is to win your next game and then the one after it. Believe in yourself. It is possible,” the Minister concluded.

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Speaker House Reps, Abbas, Others Thumbs NFF President Over NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and New Training Pitches

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…Says It Will Boost Nigeria’s Economy


By Joel Ajayi


The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for initiating the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches, describing it as a transformational project that will boost Nigeria’s economy.


Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Speaker Abbas praised the initiative and pledged the National Assembly’s full support.


 “This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project,” he stated while cutting the ceremonial tape.


He also assured the House of Representatives’ support for the visionary leadership of Engineer Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the NFF in other key areas where assistance is required.

Leading the FIFA delegation, Gelson Fernandes (Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director, Africa) reiterated FIFA’s commitment to funding the project, emphasizing that infrastructure development has been a priority since the tenure of President Gianni Infantino began.

Expressing his excitement, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stated that the hostel and training pitches will serve all Nigerian national teams, leagues, and academies.


“Indeed, my joy knows no bounds. From the day my Executive Committee and I were sworn into office in Benin City on Friday, 30th September 2022, I was determined to push this project forward as a legacy for Nigerian football.
“For sustained success, we must provide a conducive environment, infrastructure, equipment, and support systems that enable players and officials to perform at their best.

“Building a players’ hostel and having new training pitches will not only enhance team management but also reduce costs, allowing us to invest more in grassroots development programs.”
Several dignitaries present at the event applauded Gusau’s leadership, determination, and commitment to football development in Nigeria.


The event was well attended by local and international stakeholders, including sports enthusiasts, who witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and Training Pitches.

In addition to the hostel, the project includes:Two new training pitches (one synthetic and one natural grass). Reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch.


Also, Spectators’ sitting terraces with 1,838 seats.Two dressing rooms for players, each accommodating 27 players.Two dressing rooms for officials.

The construction is expected to last 24 months and is fully funded by FIFA under its FIFA Forward 3.0 programme.

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