Senate President Godswill Akpabio linked Nigeria’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title to President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election prospects, Premium Times reported, bringing a political forecast into the celebration of the team’s historic victory.
Premium Times said Akpabio spoke while receiving the players at the Senate in Abuja on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The outlet quoted him as telling the team, “you brought this World Cup to us,” and adding, “we have won the next election.”
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the reception and said the Senate donated ₦100 million, which Akpabio presented to the players. The federation also said Tinubu awarded each player a five-year Federal Government Savings Bond worth ₦100 million.
Nigeria beat Japan 2-1 in the final on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Rabat, Morocco, FIFA said. Awawu Bashiru scored before halftime, Oluebube Umejiaku scored in the 47th minute, and Japan replied in the 80th, according to FIFA’s match account. No African women’s team had previously won a FIFA title, at youth or senior level.
FIFA said Nigeria opened the tournament with a loss to Poland before winning six straight matches. Its tournament review said no previous champion had won the competition after losing its opening game.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lists the presidential and National Assembly elections for Jan. 16, 2027. Governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for Feb. 6, the commission’s calendar says.
