The Special Adviser on Grassroots Sports Mobilization to the Edo State Governor, Hon. Frank Ilaboya, has congratulated the Flamingos for their 1-0 victory over Venezuela in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The Nigerian girls edged Venezuela in a tense fixture on Sunday night to book a semi-final date with Brazil on Wednesday. Ilaboya said their run so far reinforces the need to scout young talents from the grassroots, both boys and girls.

According to the former Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, the encouragement given by Governor Monday Okpebholo to scout raw talents across the state must be extended to the girl-child, stressing that engaging girls early through sports would divert them from societal vices.

He commended Governor Okpebholo for creating a specialized department for grassroots sports, noting that his responsibility is to change the narrative by combing the nooks and crannies of the state for talents that will make Edo and the nation proud.

“We are putting together a comprehensive programme that will bring Edo State back to her dominance in age-grade tournaments,” Ilaboya said, adding that with the strong character, resilience and determination shown against defending champions, North Korea, whom they thrashed 3-1, the Flamingos have what it takes to beat Brazil.