The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has backed the Nigeria U-17 Women’s National Team, the Flamingos, to go all the way and win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Hon. Shaibu said he has followed the team’s preparations closely before their departure and was impressed by what he saw during their training sessions.
According to him, his familiarity with some of the players and the final squad selected by the technical crew has further strengthened his confidence in the team’s ability to deliver.
He commended the Flamingos’ approach to the tournament, particularly their philosophy of taking each game as it comes, noting that every match demands a different level of preparation, programme and attitude.
Drawing from his experience as a former professional footballer, the NIS boss said the players’ ability to understand and assimilate instructions from the technical crew is a positive indication of their readiness to compete at the highest level.
Hon. KShaibu stressed that the pathway to winning the trophy lies in maintaining focus and approaching every match with determination, rather than looking too far ahead. He expressed optimism that the team’s seven-game strategy would yield the desired result, adding that their performances in the opening games have reinforced his belief.
The NIS DG urged Nigerians to remain expectant and supportive of the young players, expressing optimism that with Asian teams already out of contention, the Flamingos have what it takes to overcome their remaining opponents.
“We should have butterflies in our stomachs because all the Asian teams have fallen, the Americans are next,” he said.
