By Chigozie Chukwuleta
Chief Dr. Robert Onyeani, President of Ahudiyannem Football Club, has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos after they defeated Japan 2-1 to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.
Chief Onyeani said the girls did exactly what he charged them to do after their historic 3-1 semi-final win over Brazil — stay focused, stay disciplined, and finish the job.
“When they qualified for the final, I told them the job was not yet done. I told them not to allow the celebration distract them, to keep the same courage, composure and belief that carried them past Brazil, and to go all out against Japan,” Onyeani said.
“Today, they have done it. They finished the job and made Nigeria proud. I am so proud of them.”
He described the 2-1 victory over Japan as a triumph of discipline and tactical awareness, praising the team for disrupting Japan’s possession game, taking their chances through Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, and holding on after Fuki Ito’s late goal in the 80th minute.
Chief Onyeani said the title was no accident, pointing to the team’s remarkable turnaround after losing their opening match 2-1 to Poland, then winning six straight matches against Puerto Rico, defending champions North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil and Japan.
He congratulated Coach Akeem Busari, the players, technical crew and backroom staff for making history as the first African nation ever to lift the trophy, and for reaching Nigeria’s first-ever final in the competition.
According to him, winning the World Cup will not only write their names in history but also open the door for many young girls across Nigeria dreaming of playing football.
Chief Onyeani also joined in celebrating the sports leadership present at the final, including NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, NFF Acting Secretary-General Emmanuel Ikpeme and CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who presented medals to the victorious teams.
“They have made Nigeria proud. They are true ambassadors. This cup belongs to every young girl in Nigeria who dares to dream,” Onyeani added.
