NIS DG Philip Shaibu Lauds Falconets' World Cup Success

H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), commended Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, for their impressive performance at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

In a statement from his Special Adviser on Media, Ben Ogbemudia, Shaibu praised the players for their resilience and determination after a 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16 on Thursday. The Falconets had a rocky start, losing 2-0 to Spain on September 7 and drawing 0-0 against China.

However, they rebounded with a 10-1 win against New Caledonia, securing second place in Group F. In the match against England, Tosin Rafiu scored the opening goal, followed by Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu, leading to a convincing victory.

Shaibu noted that the team's ability to recover from setbacks reflects the potential of Nigeria’s women’s football development system.