Sports
Sports Minister Celebrates First Set Of Green Eagles. 43 Years Anniversary, First Nations Cup Won On Home Soil
Today, March 22nd marks the 43rd Anniversary of the victory won by the then Green Eagles at the African Cup of Nations. That historic African Cup of Nations was held in Lagos and the Green Eagles won the Nations Cup, in the presence of Eagles fans at the National Stadium, Surulere.
According to the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, “Today marks 43 years that our Green Eagles won the first African Cup of Nations.
“In light of this, I want to celebrate these icons and great players that led a formidable track for others to follow. The likes of Goalkeeper Best Ogedegbe, Captain Christian Chukwu, Segun Odegbami, Kadiri Ikhana, Alloysius Atuegbu, and others whose zeal, commitment and dexterity in making Nigeria proud, has made them pacesetters. The Eagles have won the same trophy, three different times in year 1980, 1994 and 2013. They will always be remembered.
“Today, I join millions of Nigerians to say thank you, for winning the first African Cup of Nations on March 22, 1980”, Honourable Sunday Dare concluded.
The 1980 history making team are;
Goalkeepers: Best Ogedegbe, Emmanuel Okala, Moses Effiong
Defenders: David Adiele, Johnny Orlando, Sylvanus Okpala, Okey Isima, Tunde Bamidele, Godwin Odiye, Christian Chukwu
Midfielders: Mudashiru Lawal, Alloysius Atuegbu, Henry Nwosu, Kadiri Ikhana, Frank Nwachi
Forwards: Ifeanyi Onyedika, Segun Odegbami, Adokiye Amiesimaka, Martin Eyo, Charles Bassey, Shefiu Mohammed.
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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