Former First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and former Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, has praised the Flamingos following their historic 2-1 victory over Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Akinwunmi attributed the team's success to the importance of treating athletes with dignity, providing adequate support and fulfilling financial obligations to players and officials representing the country.

He noted that the Flamingos' impressive campaign in Morocco reflected the benefits of ensuring that players, coaches and officials received their entitlements without being owed.

The former football administrator also commended the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for the reforms introduced under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“This victory did not happen by chance,” he said.

“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.

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

For Akinwunmi, Nigeria's triumph represents more than winning a trophy, describing it as the fulfilment of a vision he has championed for over a decade.

“This is not just a trophy. This is history,” he said.

“This is Africa’s first. This is Nigeria showing the world that our girls can be the best in the world.”

He also linked the achievement to his long-standing grassroots football development initiative, Let The Children Play, which focused on creating opportunities for young players, particularly girls.

“You have proved that ‘Let The Children Play’ was not a slogan. It was a vision that incorporated the development of the girl child and culminated in Lagos State producing successive Falcons’ captains under his watch. Today, that vision is a World Cup.”

During his time in football administration, Akinwunmi championed youth and girls' football through initiatives such as the NFF/Zenith U-15 Women Competition and the scouting of female talents from the age of 13.

As Chairman of the NFF Youth Development Committee, he also developed a Youth Development Policy built around a structured pathway from U-13 to U-15, U-17 and U-20 levels, with emphasis on long-term player development rather than a win-at-all-costs approach.

“Give a girl a ball, give her education, give her a chance,” he used to say. “She will give you a World Cup.”

He said the Flamingos' achievement demonstrated the value of investing in young female footballers and providing them with opportunities to develop their potential.

Akinwunmi further praised the leadership of the NSC under Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, noting that the impact of the Commission's reforms was evident in the team's preparation and performance.

He highlighted the Flamingos' proper camping arrangements, friendly matches, sports science support and payment of allowances as important factors that contributed to their success.

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

The former NFF vice-president added that the NSC's current direction aligns with his Football First blueprint, which he developed during his time at the federation.

“Focus on grassroots football, focus on youth development. Focus on the leagues, focus on proper organisation, focus on the economy of football. Trophies will follow. Today, the trophy has followed,” Akinwunmi said.