Ebonyi Lawmaker Says Flamingos’ Triumph Justifies Nwifuru’s Investment In Sports ‎

‎ ‎ ‎The member representing Abakaliki North Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Chidi Nwoke, has described the historic victory of Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, as a landmark achievement that underscores the importance of sustained investment in sports development.

‎ ‎Nwoke made this known in Abakaliki while reacting to the team’s triumph over Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, which made Nigeria the first African country to win the trophy. ‎ ‎The lawmaker who is the committee Chairman on Youth Development and Sports said the victory had further demonstrated the abundant sporting talents in Nigeria and the need for deliberate investment in grassroots sports development to discover, nurture and empower young athletes. ‎

‎He noted that the achievement also justified the commitment of Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, to the development of sports and the creation of opportunities for young people to excel. ‎ ‎According to him, the governor’s establishment and investment in Abakaliki Football Club, sports infrastructure, talent discovery and youth development would yield greater results in no distance time. ‎ ‎Nwoke congratulated the players, technical crew and officials of the team for making Nigeria and Africa proud, urging relevant authorities to sustain the momentum by providing adequate support for emerging sporting talents. ‎

‎He also expressed optimism that the Flamingos' achievement would inspire more young Nigerians, particularly girls, to pursue careers in sports and compete successfully on the international stage. ‎ ‎He equally urged Ebonyi young ladies to take advantage of governor Nwifuru's interest in sports to build career while appealing to stakeholders to show more support to the growth of the sporting sector.