Bako Appeals To President Tinubu To Honor World Cup Champions, Flammingos
By Saheed Afolabi
Following Nigeria’s historic U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph, women’s football advocate and grassroots football enthusiast, Moses Nagogo Bako, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to host the victorious girls, their coaches, technical crew and entire backroom staff at the Presidential Villa.
Bako, who could be described as an unsung talent scout for Nigeria’s national youth women’s teams, noted that Nigeria must find a way to celebrate and reward these young players for bringing honour and pride to the country.
A familiar face at the NWFL Championship and Nationwide League, as well as major grassroots competitions and talent-discovery platforms such as HerGame National, Judith Chime Championship, WAFA, NAWFA, SEWFA and SOSAWFA tournaments, Bako consistently follows emerging talents and advocates opportunities for young female footballers.
He also appealed to President Tinubu not to allow the celebration of the current champions to overshadow the achievements of the 2022 U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, who won bronze at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India.
According to him, the 2022 team equally made Nigeria proud and deserves national recognition and appreciation.
“Mr. President, please host these champions. Celebrate the girls, their coaches, and everyone who contributed to this historic achievement. But as we celebrate today’s champions, let us also remember the 2022 team that won bronze. They, too, deserve to be celebrated.”
Bako stressed that recognising past achievements alongside present successes would encourage young footballers, strengthen confidence in women’s football, and demonstrate that Nigeria values its sporting heroes and heroines.
He concluded that Nigeria must not only celebrate winners but also remember those who paved the way and continue to invest in the future of the women’s game.
Celebrate the champions, honour the bronze medallists, and recognise everyone contributing to the discovry of tomorrow’s Super Falcons stars.
