Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District and a former governor of Abia State, has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos on their triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and called for national recognition of the team’s historic feat.
In a statement issued on Sunday and shared on his official Facebook page, Kalu described the Flamingos as gallant ambassadors who have brought immense pride to the country. He noted that by becoming the first African team to win the tournament, the young champions have earned the right to be honoured for their remarkable achievement.
Appeal for Enyimba’s Recognition
In the same statement, the former governor appealed to President Bola Tinubu to extend national recognition to Enyimba International Football Club of Aba for its historic back-to-back CAF Champions League victories in 2003 and 2004.
Kalu recalled that his administration honoured and rewarded the team during his tenure as governor of Abia State, but expressed regret that the club did not receive similar recognition from the Federal Government. He emphasised that Enyimba made history by winning Africa’s premier club competition in successive years, becoming the first Nigerian club to achieve the feat.
According to him, it is never too late to honour excellence, noting that a nation that celebrates its heroes, past and present, inspires future generations to strive for greatness.
Enyimba’s Place in African Football History
Enyimba won the CAF Champions League in 2003 and successfully defended the title in 2004, establishing itself as the first Nigerian club to lift Africa’s most prestigious club trophy in consecutive seasons. The Aba-based side’s achievement remains a landmark moment in Nigerian football.
Kalu’s appeal comes as the nation celebrates the Flamingos’ historic world title, with the former governor urging that the moment be used to also correct what he described as a long-standing omission in the recognition of Enyimba’s continental success.
