Dede Celebrates Flamingos’ World Cup Triumph As ‘Full Circle’ Moment

Former Super Falcons goalkeeper Precious Dede has described Nigeria’s historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph as a full-circle moment after finally getting to hold the trophy she never won during her 15-year international playing career.

Dede, now Women’s Football Development Manager for WAFU B, said the Flamingos’ achievement had given her an opportunity to experience a moment that eluded her throughout her time with Nigeria’s senior national team.

‘Fifteen years. Senior National Team. Goalkeeper/Captain. And yet, I never touched a World Cup Trophy. Today, I am holding it. Not as a player, but as the Women’s Football Development Manager for WAFU B,’ she wrote in a Facebook post.

She described the moment as bigger than her personal achievement, crediting the Flamingos for becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Dede also praised the team for giving millions of girls across the continent the belief that winning the global title was possible.

The former goalkeeper said Nigeria’s triumph demonstrated what investment, structure, competitive opportunities and sustained commitment to girls’ football could achieve.

‘This is what happens when you prioritise the development and growth of women’s football. When you invest in girls, when you believe in them, when you give them structure, competitions, and opportunity, they deliver the world,’ she said.

She urged young girls to remain committed to their ambitions, insisting that the Flamingos’ success should inspire the next generation of female footballers.

‘To every young girl watching: Never stop believing. Your time is coming. Your dream is valid. Keep working, keep pushing, keep shining,’ Dede added.