Former First Vice-President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and ex-Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Seyi Akinwunmi, has praised Nigeria’s Flamingos for their historic victory over Japan in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final, describing the achievement as the product of deliberate investment in youth development.
Akinwunmi, who spoke in Lagos shortly after the final, said the triumph reflected the impact of proper planning and sustained attention to sports development.
He also credited the sports reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, arguing that the government had repositioned sports as a national asset and an instrument for youth empowerment.
“This victory did not happen by chance,” Akinwunmi said. “President Tinubu gave sports a clear mandate. Sports is no longer just leisure. It is a national asset. It is a tool for youth empowerment.”
He commended the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, saying the team’s preparation reflected improvements in sports administration.
According to him, proper camping, quality friendly matches, the application of sports science and timely payment of players’ allowances contributed to the team’s success.
“When you treat athletes with dignity, they will give their all on the pitch for Nigeria,” he said.
Akinwunmi linked the achievement to his “Football First” blueprint during his time at the NFF, which prioritised grassroots football, youth development, stronger domestic leagues, improved organisation and the economic potential of the game.
He said the victory also represented the fulfilment of a long-standing vision to develop girls’ football, recalling initiatives he supported during his administrative career, including the “Let The Children Play” campaign and the NFF/Zenith U-15 Women Competition.
He explained that the initiatives were designed to identify and nurture young talents from an early age, rather than focus exclusively on immediate results at senior international competitions.
For Akinwunmi, the Flamingos’ achievement demonstrates what sustained opportunities for girls in sports can produce.
“This is not just a trophy. This is history. This is Africa’s first. This is Nigeria showing the world that our girls can be the best in the world,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to sustain investment in girls’ football, education and grassroots development, insisting that the victory should serve as motivation to create more opportunities for young female athletes.
