Sunday Dare, the minister of youth and sports development, announced that the federal government would host a special banquet in honor of the Flamingos, the national female U-17 team, in recognition of their bronze-medal victory at the just finished FIFA U-17 Women’s tournament in India.
At the VIP area of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Tuesday, Dare welcomed the Coach Bankole Olowookere-led squad and commended them for their efforts in bringing honor to Nigeria and brightening the faces of millions of people there.
The president, according to him, would welcome the team and honor them for their achievements in India at the proper time, stating their efforts won’t go forgotten.
Since there was no question about the team’s talent or the skills they demonstrated to the entire globe in India, Dare claims that the Flamingos exhibited the true spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition.
He commended the NFF for helping the team get ready, organizing them well, and providing the logistical support that let them win the tournament and move on to success.
“We will approach Mr. President as a ministry. Once the President returns, he will formally thank you on behalf of the nation and we will arrange a meeting for you two.
“You also understand that there will be a reward when you see the father and you’ve done well. I won’t speak before the President, but I can tell you that you will receive that visit, a handshake from the president, and compensation for your heroics.