Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, has heaped encomiums on Nigeria’s U-17 Girls, the Flamingos after the team secured qualification to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India after a tough Ethiopia test.
The Flamingos played out a goalless draw against their Ethiopian counterparts at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja to secure a 1-0 aggregate win.
Dare, who was in the stands to cheer the team expressed his delight with the fight and heart with which the girls played.
“I’m immensely proud of the fight you all put in today. Even though it was a tough game, you all did not fail to step up to the occasion. The grit, the heart, the fight was high up there,” Dare said.
“I congratulate the entire technical crew and squad for picking up the World Cup against all odds. I believe that all hands will be put on deck to help the team prepare adequately for the finals itself.”
The Sports Minister urged the entire party not to lose focus, but instead keep an eye on India 2022, as the main tournament goal has just got started.
The Flamingos saw off competition from DR Congo pummelling them 8-0, Egypt were beaten 6-0 on aggregate, before they pipped Ethiopia 1-0, to pick up the World Cup slot.
