ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has celebrated the contribution of Delta Queens goalkeeper, Onyinyechi Opara, to Nigeria’s historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, following the Flamingos’ victory over Japan.
In a congratulatory statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor also praised the entire national team for winning the final 2–1 on Saturday, November 7, describing the achievement as a landmark moment for Nigerian and African football.
Nigeria secured the historic title through goals from Awawu Bashiru in the 39th minute and Oluebube Umejiaku shortly after the restart in the 47th minute. Japan reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute but could not prevent the Nigerian girls from claiming their maiden championship.
The victory made Nigeria the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, while also marking the first time an African women’s national team had won a FIFA World Cup title at any age level.
Oborevwori described the triumph as a source of national pride, commending the players for their discipline, determination, resilience and fighting spirit throughout the competition.
He said the Flamingos’ performance had demonstrated the depth of football talent in Nigeria and the growing capacity of the country’s female footballers to compete successfully at the highest international level.
The governor singled out Opara, who represented Delta Queens FC in the national squad, describing her inclusion among the world champions as a significant achievement for Delta State.
He noted that her success had further highlighted the potential of young Deltans to excel in competitive sports when provided with the necessary opportunities, encouragement and institutional support.
According to him, Opara’s achievement adds to the record of Delta athletes who have represented the state and Nigeria with distinction in national and international sporting competitions.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening sports development through investment in sporting infrastructure, grassroots talent identification and programmes designed to help young athletes develop their abilities.
He urged the victorious Flamingos to build on their achievement, maintain their discipline and remain focused on future international competitions.
Oborevwori expressed confidence that the team’s success would encourage more Nigerian girls to pursue football and other sporting careers, while demonstrating that opportunities in competitive sports should extend to young women across the country.
He wished the players continued success, describing their historic performance in Morocco as an important milestone in Nigeria’s football development.
