Football fans in Abakaliki on Thursday hailed the Flamingos for their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA Women U-17 World Cup in Morocco.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Flamingos mauled Brazil 3-1 on Wednesday to reach its first final in the competition after clinching bronze at the 2022 edition in India.
One goal from Queen Joseph. and a brace from Awawu Bashir ensured that the Nigerian girls reached the final after dumping a north American giants Mexico and two South American heavy weights, Venezuela and Brazil on their path.
Emmanuel Utobo, the Immediate Past Director of Sports in Ebonyi, praised the girls for their resilience, noting that it symbolises the true Nigerian never-say-die spirit.
“The girls fought gallantly, rising from the ashes of an opening game loss to Poland to the historic final against Japan.
“The coach Akeem Busari corrected the lapses in the loss and imbibed the resilience spirit which made the players ease past major opponents to the final,” he said.
Jacinta Ogbogu, a female football coach, said the Flamingos have brought joy to Nigerians following the failures that have bedeviled the country’s football in recent years.
“We have witnessed heartbreaks in football recently culminating in the resignation of the past football federation board.
“Failures have trailed the national teams in all categories and this final feat has become something to cheer about; a smile on our faces,” she said.
Okwudili Nwolisa, a football historian recounted that the Dream Team, the U-23 male Olympic side, beat Brazil in the semi final of the historic Atlanta 96 male football event, adding that it stunned the world.
“Nigeria beat this same Brazil on its path to the Olympic glory in Atlanta and placed the country on the world football map.
“The Flamingos are expected to replicate this feat and give Nigerians hope that its football will rise once more,” he said.
Mrs Abigail Igwe, a teacher and football enthusiast urged the Flamingoes not to be complacent because Japan remained a hard nut to crack.
“Japan defeated defending champions North Korea which Nigeria earlier beat at the group stage and this shows it is also poised for glory.
“Nigerians should pray for the team to replicate its ingenious run in the final,” she said.
