By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has congratulated Mary Dunstan Akpan and Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic victory at the 2026 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Flamingos won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a 2-1 win against Japan in the final, thus breaking the record as the first African country to win the cup.
Governor Eno, who, during the course of the week, described the victory as a moment of immense pride for Nigeria, said he received the news with great joy.
He added that his excitement was even greater when he learnt that Mary Dunstan Akpan, one of the players who contributed to the historic triumph, was a daughter of Akwa Ibom State.
The Governor said the feeling was particularly special when Mary took to social media with a video proudly identifying with her Akwa Ibom roots.
He described the gesture as touching and a remarkable expression of love for her home state, especially at a time when she was celebrating one of the biggest moments of her young football career.
“I was already excited and proud when I heard that Nigeria had made history by winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. But when I learnt that Mary Dunstan Akpan, one of the players in that historic squad, is our daughter from Akwa Ibom, my joy knew no bounds. It became even more exciting when I watched her video online, proudly identifying with her roots.
“That gesture touched me deeply. Even in her moment of glory on the world stage, she remembered home, and that means so much to us as a people,” the governor said.
Mary, who hails from Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, played an important role in Nigeria’s successful campaign. She scored Nigeria’s second goal in the 2-1 Round of 16 victory over Mexico, helping the team progress to the quarter-finals.
In recognition of the achievement, Governor Eno has directed the Commissioner for Sports Development, Elder Paul Bassey, to organise a reception in honour of Mary Dunstan Akpan and two other Akwa Ibom indigenes who were part of the Flamingos’ delegation in Morocco.
The two officials are Arit Robert Effiong, who served as Team Secretary, and Charity Etim Godwin, the team’s Physiotherapist.
The Governor said his administration would continue to celebrate the achievements of Akwa Ibom people who distinguish themselves in their various fields.
“This administration will continue to celebrate with our people. We are happy, we are proud, and we will be waiting to receive our heroes. Mary has made us proud, and we want her and the other members of the delegation to know that Akwa Ibom State celebrates them,” he said.
Governor Eno also congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the historic achievement was another source of national pride as the Federal Government’s reforms begin to yield results.
He extended congratulatory message to the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the technical crew and the entire Flamingos squad for their determination, hard work and commitment throughout the competition.
The governor described the victory as a major milestone for Nigerian and African women’s football, expressing hope that Mary’s success would inspire more young girls in Akwa Ibom State to pursue their dreams in sports.
