NDC Urges Flamingos to Crown Historic Run with World Cup Victory

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged the national Under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, to defeat Japan in Saturday’s final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and make history by bringing the trophy to Nigeria.

The party also commended the team for becoming the first African side to reach the final of the competition, describing its achievement as a source of national pride and inspiration amid the country’s economic challenges.

The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, in a statement yesterday, praised the players for their resilience, determination and remarkable recovery after losing their opening match 2-1 to Poland.

The party said the team’s impressive performances had provided Nigerians with moments of joy despite what it described as the hunger, poverty and hardship arising from the policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the statement, the Flamingos demonstrated exceptional fighting spirit by defeating two-time champions, North Korea, 3-1, in the group stage, ending the Asian side’s eight-year unbeaten run in the competition.

The team subsequently defeated Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16, overcame Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals and secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Brazil in the semi-finals.

The victory over Brazil was particularly significant as it handed the South Americans their first defeat in the tournament in Morocco.

Director said the team’s progression from an opening-match setback to the final demonstrated the determination and potential of Nigerian youths when given the opportunity to excel.

“You did our country proud. Your victories have lifted Nigerians from the hunger, poverty and sadness that the ruinous policies of the ruling party have imposed on them,” the party stated.

With the final against Japan scheduled for Saturday, the NDC urged the players to remain focused and determined to complete their historic campaign with victory.

The party assured the team that it enjoyed the support of Nigerians, adding that the players had already earned national recognition through their performances.

“The NDC and Nigerians are fully behind you,” the statement added.

The party also used the occasion to reiterate its political message ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring that a new Nigeria was possible under its leadership.