Dikko said the Flamingos’ triumph reflected the positive impact of ongoing reforms in the sports sector, expressing confidence that sustained investment in grassroots development would produce more international successes.
He stated this in Lagos on Sunday in a statement signed by the Commission’s Head of Press and Publicity, Zira Nagga.
According to him, the achievement demonstrated that the reforms being implemented by the commission were beginning to yield positive results, adding that the momentum must be sustained through deliberate interventions at all levels of sports development.
“When we get it right at the grassroots, the top will be corrected too.
“This victory is a powerful reminder that investing in young athletes, strengthening our development structures and creating opportunities for talent to thrive will deliver results for Nigeria,” he said.
Dikko congratulated the players, coaches and technical crew, describing their achievement as a defining moment for Nigerian football and a source of pride for the country and the African continent.
The Flamingos made history on Saturday night in Rabat, Morocco, after defeating Japan 2-1 to win Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
The victory also made Nigeria the first African country to win the competition, ending the continent’s long wait for the global trophy.
Also reacting to the triumph, the Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, described it as a victory for all Nigerians, while expressing appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support and investment in sports development.
“This is a victory for every Nigerian. We are grateful to President Tinubu for his immense investment and commitment to the development of sports in the country.
“There could hardly be a better way for these young champions to appreciate that support than by bringing home a World Cup trophy.
“They have made the nation proud and shown what is possible when talent, preparation and the right support come together,” Olopade said.
In the final, Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the advantage two minutes after the restart, scoring in the 47th minute.
Japan reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian girls held on against late pressure to secure the historic victory.
The triumph capped an impressive recovery by the Flamingos, who began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland but bounced back with victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions Korea DPR in the group stage.
They subsequently defeated Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil in the knockout rounds to reach their first-ever final.
Their 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil had secured Nigeria’s maiden appearance in the final before they went on to claim the ultimate prize against Japan.
Olopade recalled that Nigeria’s previous best performance at the tournament was a third-place finish at the 2022 edition in India.
The Federal Government delegation at the final was led by Dikko and included the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, and Saleh Ahmadu.
The final was also witnessed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, Acting Secretary-General of the Nigeria Football Federation, Emmanuel Ikpeme, and former NFF President and ex-FIFA Council member, Amaju Melvin Pinnick.
