Aare (Prof.) Lai Labode has congratulated the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, following Nigeria’s historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in the final played in Rabat on Saturday, November 7, becoming the first African team to win the women’s U-17 World Cup.
In a congratulatory letter dated November 8, Labode described the victory as a landmark achievement for Nigerian and African football, noting that Nigeria had also become the first African country to win the U-17 World Cup in both the men’s and women’s categories.
He also celebrated the recognition received by Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku, who was named the tournament’s best player and awarded the Golden Ball.
Labode attributed the team’s success partly to the efforts of the leadership of the National Sports Commission, praising Olopade for his commitment to grassroots and age-grade football, as well as the preparation and welfare of Nigerian athletes.
He also acknowledged the role of the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, saying their leadership had helped restore confidence and direction to Nigerian sports.
The Egbaland traditional title holder extended his congratulations to the team’s head coach, Busari, his technical crew and the players, describing the Flamingos as a source of pride for the country.
He expressed hope that the victory would mark the beginning of more international successes for Nigerian women’s football, particularly as the young players continue their development towards the senior national team, the Super Falcons.
Labode, who is also President of the Confederation of African Fashion (CAFA) and founder of the African Global Fashion Games, said the Flamingos had demonstrated what young Nigerian girls could achieve when given the right support and opportunities.
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