Akwa Ibom Governor Eno Congratulates Flamingos Star Mary Akpan, Approves Reception
Governor To Honour World Cup Winner, Team Secretary and Physiotherapist from State
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has congratulated Flamingos forward Mary Dunstan Akpan following Nigeria’s historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco and approved a reception in honour of the player and two other indigenes who were part of the team’s delegation.
Nigeria became the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final, with Akpan playing a role in the team’s successful campaign.
Eno said he received the news of Nigeria’s victory with immense joy but was particularly proud when he learnt that Akpan, one of the players who helped deliver the historic achievement, hailed from Akwa Ibom.
The governor said his excitement grew after watching a video in which the young footballer proudly identified with her state.
‘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,’ Eno said.
‘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.’
Akpan, who hails from Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, scored Nigeria’s second goal in their 2-1 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16 to help the Flamingos advance to the quarter-finals.
In recognition of the achievement, Eno directed the Commissioner for Sports Development, Paul Bassey, to organise a reception for Akpan and two other Akwa Ibom indigenes who were part of the delegation to Morocco.
They 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 recognise and celebrate indigenes who distinguish themselves in their chosen fields.
‘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.
Eno also congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the technical crew and the entire Flamingos squad for their contributions to the historic achievement.
He described the triumph as a major milestone for Nigerian and African women’s football and expressed hope that Akpan’s success would inspire more young girls in Akwa Ibom to pursue their sporting ambitions.
