A Sweden-based Nigerian sports advocate, Ayoola Lawal, has called on the Federal Government to formally recognise Nigeria’s historic victory at the 2024 Gothia Youth World Cup.
In an unprecedented feat, Nigeria’s U-16, U-17, and U-18 teams each clinched gold medals in their respective categories, marking a record-breaking achievement unmatched by any other country in the tournament’s history.
Lawal, who was present at Ullevi Stadium in Sweden to witness the finals, described the players as “true ambassadors” of Nigeria, lauding their skill, discipline, and patriotism.
“These young champions didn’t just win matches they sold Nigeria positively to the world,” Lawal said in a statement on Monday. “Their brilliance projected an image of Nigeria as a nation of excellence, unity, and promise. They deserve to be celebrated at the highest level.”
Lawal, a former secretary of the APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen, emphasized that national recognition would not only honour the players but also motivate other young Nigerians to reach for greatness.
“Their success is proof of what our youth can achieve when given the right support,” he said. “Formal recognition would encourage wider youth participation in sports and signal the government’s commitment to nurturing young talent.”
He also called on the private sector, sports authorities, and development partners to invest more in sports infrastructure and international exposure for Nigerian youth.
Lawal urged stakeholders to leverage this historic moment as a springboard for sustainable progress in the country’s sports development.