The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Nigeria’s U17 Women’s National Football Team, the Flamingos, for their impressive 4-1 victory over New Zealand in the opening match of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

In a statement following the match, Minister Enoh praised the team for their outstanding performance, showcasing remarkable skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

“The Flamingos have made Nigeria proud with this fantastic victory. Their exceptional play reflects the immense talent and potential of our young female athletes,” he stated.

The Minister also commended the efforts of the coaching staff and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in developing women’s football in the country.

“This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the team’s preparation. It is essential that we continue to support and invest in women’s sports to foster their growth and success,” he added.

As the tournament progressed, Minister Enoh encouraged all Nigerians to rally behind the Flamingos, emphasizing the significance of unity and support for the team. “Let us come together as a nation to support our girls as they pursue victory and represent Nigeria on the global stage,” he said.

The Minister concluded by wishing the Flamingos continued success in their upcoming matches, expressing confidence in their ability to advance further in the tournament.

The Flamingos of Nigeria took the lead after two minutes at the CFC Stadium in Santiago De Los Caballeros and had extended the margin to 3-0 within half an hour.

Overall, New Zealand was outplayed in terms of possession, territory, and shots on goal.

Nigeria, who picked the bronze medal at the last FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India. Harmony Chidi set up Shakirat Moshood for the game’s opening goal.

Khadijat Adegoke, in the 13th minute, gave a second goal when she smashed home a shot that slipped through the hands of New Zealand goalkeeper Brooke Neary.

Faridat Abdulwahab scored the third goal from outside the New Zealand penalty area.

Nigeria scored their fourth goal early in the second half when Adegoke crossed for midfielder Taiwo Afolabi to head into the net.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on the Super Eagles to gear up for a rematch against Libya, following the team’s harrowing experience at a Libyan airport last Sunday.

The Nigerian players and officials were stranded for hours, denied food and internet access, ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights.

In a statement on his X handle, Obi expressed sympathy for the team’s ordeal and commended their patriotism and patience in the face of unfair treatment.

He encouraged the players not to let the experience dampen their spirits, but rather recharge their determination to win the match and qualify for the Morocco 2025 AFCON.

The statement reads: Like every other patriotic Nigerian, I sincerely sympathize with our dear Super Eagles over their ordeal in Libya on their way to play the Morocco 2025 AFCON Qualifier return leg match, which was later delisted by CAF following the players’ decision not to play the match.

The neglect and abandonment they and their officials suffered at a remote Libyan airport is highly regrettable and justifies their alternative decision of returning home.

While we await the outcome of an investigation ordered by CAF, I wish to use this opportunity to commend the players for their patriotism, patience, and forbearance in the face of the unfair treatment by our Libyan brothers.

I appeal to them not to allow this sad experience dampen their zeal or break their spirit.

On the other hand, it should recharge their determination to fight to win the match whenever it takes place, to qualify for the Morocco 2025 AFCON, and, to win the championship.

In times like this, when Nigerians are left dejected by the sorry state of affairs in the country, every victory by the Super Eagles would not only serve to unite the country but also give Nigerians something to celebrate.

The sad experience of our national team in Libya should encourage all of us to work hard to bring more respect and dignity to our nation.

With the right leadership in place, Nigeria surely will rise again. Indeed, a new Nigeria is POssible.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has picked Morocco to host the 2024 edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League Finals.

The CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco 2024 will be played between November  9 and 23.

Morocco hosted the 2022 edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League – the premium women’s club football competition in Africa.

Eight clubs including Edo Queens  will contest the top prize. Winners will get USD 400 000 in prize money with runners-up walking away with USD 250 000.

Mamelodi Sundowns are the current holders – having won the competition twice in three years.

Morocco’s ASFAR is the other team that has won the Competition – back in 2022 when they defeated Mamelodi Sundowns.

Since its inception, the CAF Women’s Champions League played a key role in shaping women’s football in Africa.

Morocco’s hosting of the CAF Women’s Champions League follows the nation’s successful hosting of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2022 which also enjoyed unparalleled success.

Six Zonal tournaments took place to qualify  six  teams in addition to the host and the holder of 2023 title to the FT of CAF WCL 2024.

Apart from holders Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) and host team ASFAR (Morocco), Aigles de la Medina (Senegal) will represent  WAFU A   while Edo Queens (Nigeria) will represent WAFU B  .

Others are

University of Western Cape (South Africa) for COSAFA , Tutankhamun (Egypt) for UNAF , CBE FC (Ethiopia) for CECAFA and TP Mazembe (DR Congo) for UNIFFAC.