Sports

Women International Day Football Tourney: Sports Minister Seeks More Attention For Women

Published

4 years ago

March 8, 2023

…. Urges women, youth inclusiveness

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Youth of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare, has urged all Stakeholders in the country to leave no stone unturned to ensure more support is given to women for them to excel the most in life.

He gave this advice on Wednesday in Abuja when he kicked-off the 2023 Women’s International Day Football Tournament courtesy of FAME Foundation amid pop and excitement in the FCT.

The International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

It’s also a day to mark a call to action for accelerating gender parity, women’s achievements and rally for women’s equality.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday at the venue the Minister called on all stakeholders to give more support to women in the country.

According to him, the narrative has since change and we must pay attention to women, I think they are getting a better share, they are getting better opportunities the doors are opening to them, they just need our women and young ones to work through that door, the best we can do as a, country, as a community to open more doors for young women in the country and they need to walk through because they are equip to do it.”

He commended the FAME foundation for their efforts toward empowering women: “We have watched closely the effort in the last five years and I am glad that it’s paying off. We can all see the enthusiasm displayed here is massive and commendable.

“I want to use this medium to call on other NGO to take the cue from the FAME foundation to be in the vanguard of championing the course of women that is important.”

He congratulated all Nigeria women on the international women’s day.

While speaking, the Elated Founder of FAME foundation who has been using all her energy to championing the course of women for equity and Justice, Aderonke Ogunleye Bello expressed that she is happy to be putting smile on the faces of many Nigerians and she will not relent in fighting for women equality.

She said: “As of today female athletes don’t get the support male counterparts get and it is so sad that the new administration should look and work together with relevant organizations to improve the welfare of female athletes.”

When asked why using sports to project the course of women in the country and beyond? She replied: “As we know Nigeria is heterogeneous in nature and what brings Nigeria together is sports at the same time, we can use it for development and we have been doing it for the past five years. This is the fifth edition.”

FAME Foundation boss, however urged all Stakeholders to channel their energy on the initiative that will empower as well as charting a way forward on many issues affecting them.

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Sports

Flamingos’ Historic World Cup Feat Draws Musawa’s Commendation

Published

1 day ago

November 8, 2026

The Gleamer

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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