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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has linked Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos’, World Cup triumph to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election chances in the 2027 general elections.
Akpabio described the team’s achievement as a symbol of national hope, saying the victory was an encouraging sign for the President ahead of next year’s polls.
He made the remarks while congratulating the Flamingos on their success, arguing that the timing of their triumph carried a positive message for Tinubu’s political ambition.
According to the Senate President, the team’s victory suggested that the President would also emerge victorious in the forthcoming election.
“The timing of this victory coincides with the upcoming elections. The fact that you have won means that we have won the next election. For the President to receive this trophy from you means that he will receive the next election next year,” he said.
Akpabio also urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) to build on the team’s achievement by providing sustained support for women’s football.
“Things are changing. NFF and NSC must learn from what the girls team has done,” he said.
He called on the football authorities to keep the players together, improve their welfare and organise regular competitions to help them develop their abilities.
“Do everything to keep this team together. Welfare and competitions must be organised for you to sharpen your skills,” he added.
The Senate President further expressed optimism that members of the squad would progress to the senior national team, the Super Falcons, and eventually compete for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
He described the Flamingos’ achievement as the beginning of greater opportunities for the young players and assured them of continued support from the country.
Akpabio’s comments came as he celebrated the team’s performance, which he said demonstrated what could be achieved through commitment and adequate institutional support.
