RismadarVoice Reporters
November 11, 2026
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has linked Nigeria’s historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ambition, describing the achievement as a positive sign for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general election.
Akpabio made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving members of the victorious Flamingos at the National Assembly in Abuja.
He expressed confidence that the team’s success would be reflected in the APC’s performance during the forthcoming presidential election.
The Senate President suggested that the timing of Nigeria’s World Cup triumph, coming months before the election, symbolised another victory for Tinubu.
He further stated that the President’s reception of the World Cup trophy represented, in his view, a sign of electoral success in 2027.
His remarks were a political prediction rather than an indication of any established electoral outcome.
Akpabio also congratulated the players and their technical crew for bringing international recognition to Nigeria.
During the reception, he presented the Senate’s ₦100 million reward to the team in recognition of its historic achievement.
The Senate had approved the financial reward on Tuesday following a motion celebrating the Flamingos’ performance at the tournament.
Akpabio encouraged the Nigeria Football Federation and other sports authorities to prioritise the players’ welfare, maintain the team’s development and provide opportunities for continued training.
He expressed hope that the young footballers would eventually progress to the senior national team, the Super Falcons.
Nigeria made history on Saturday, November 7, after defeating Japan 2–1 in the tournament’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage shortly after the interval.
Japan reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but the Flamingos maintained their lead to secure the championship.
The victory made Nigeria the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The team recovered from an opening defeat against Poland to win six consecutive matches and claim its first title in the competition.
The achievement has attracted nationwide celebrations and renewed attention to the development of women’s football in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the presidential election is scheduled for January 16, 2027, when Nigerian voters will determine the country’s next administration.
