Flamingos forward Muinat Rotimi believes her side’s determination and strong team character will drive them to victory in the final of the women’s football event at the 2025 National Sports Festival, Ogun State. Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated clash against Delta State at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Rotimi highlighted the unity and discipline within the team as their most powerful weapon.
The Nigerian U17 women’s team, competing under the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative, booked their place in the final after a hard fought 1–0 win over Team Ogun, secured through a late penalty. Rotimi attributed that win to the mental resilience instilled by national team head coach Bankole Olowookere.
Expressing joy and gratitude, she thanked both her personal and national team coaches for their guidance. “Coach Bankole always says, ‘Whether you’re playing well or not, your good character is what matters most,’” she shared.
While acknowledging the strength of their final opponents, Rotimi stressed that the Flamingos are ready to fight until the last whistle. “We know we must never give up. Our character is 100%, and with that, I believe we’ll get the gold medal.”
Editorial
In a tournament where skill has been celebrated, Muinat Rotimi reminds us that character is just as crucial. Football is often won not only through flair and tactics but through unseen qualities team unity, resilience, and belief. The Flamingos are proving to be a team that blends all of these.
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Rotimi’s voice echoes something deeper than pre-match optimism. It reflects a culture fostered within the team, where players are empowered not just to win but to grow as individuals. That mindset, cultivated by coach Bankole Olowookere, is paying dividends in performances and personal development alike.
This approach is what makes youth football meaningful. It’s not just about collecting medals it’s about building habits, attitudes, and principles that players can carry into their careers. Whether the Flamingos lift the gold or not, the strength of their foundation is evident and it’s setting the stage for long-term success in Nigerian women’s football.
As they prepare to face Delta State, the real story may not be about a final scoreline, but about the spirit of a young team that has chosen to define itself through integrity and unshakable belief.
Did You Know?
- The Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) programme was designed to integrate national youth teams into the National Sports Festival to promote competitive exposure.
- Muinat Rotimi was part of Nigeria’s U17 squad that competed in international friendlies earlier this year in preparation for upcoming FIFA qualifiers.
- Coach Bankole Olowookere also led the Flamingos to their historic third-place finish at the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
- The Flamingos have remained unbeaten throughout the 2025 National Sports Festival heading into the final.
- The MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, where the final takes place, is named after the late Moshood Abiola, a Nigerian icon of democracy and a passionate football supporter.
