Akinwunmi Credits Tinubu’s Sports Reforms For Flamingos’ World Cup Triumph

Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) First Vice-President, Seyi Akinwunmi, has described the Flamingos’ historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph as evidence of the benefits of sustained grassroots investment and the sports reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Akinwunmi, a former chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, spoke in Lagos after Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco to become the first African nation to win the competition.

He said the achievement was not accidental but reflected the importance of deliberate investment in youth development and the creation of opportunities for young female footballers.

“This victory did not happen by chance. President Tinubu gave sports a clear mandate. Sports is no longer just leisure. It is a national asset. It is a tool for youth empowerment,” Akinwunmi said.

He praised the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, for introducing what he described as improved structures, accountability and long-term planning in sports administration.

“For years, we cried that grassroots football had no money. Today, the NSC has brought structure, accountability and long-term planning,” he said.

Akinwunmi, who previously championed youth and women’s football development during his time in the NFF, said the Flamingos’ success represented the fulfilment of a vision he had pursued for more than a decade.

He recalled his involvement in the ‘Let The Children Play’ initiative, the NFF/Zenith U-15 Women’s Competition and efforts to strengthen the scouting of young female players from the age of 13.

As chairman of the NFF Youth Development Committee, he also championed a youth development policy designed to provide a structured progression for players from the U-13 category through U-15, U-17 and U-20 levels.

According to him, the objective was to build a sustainable football development system rather than prioritise short-term results.

“This is not just a trophy. This is history. This is Africa’s first. This is Nigeria showing the world that our girls can be the best in the world,” he said.

He added that the Flamingos had demonstrated the importance of giving young girls opportunities to develop their footballing abilities.

Akinwunmi also commended the NSC for providing the team with adequate preparations, including camping, friendly matches, sports science support and the timely payment of players’ allowances.

“When you treat athletes with dignity, they will give their all on the pitch for Nigeria,” he said.

He noted that the Commission’s approach aligned with his ‘Football First’ blueprint, which prioritised grassroots development, youth football, stronger domestic leagues, proper organisation and the economic growth of the game.

“Trophies will follow. Today, the trophy has followed,” Akinwunmi added.

Nigeria’s victory over Japan secured the country’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title and marked a historic breakthrough for African women’s football.