Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, received a surprise visit from former Super Eagles defender Taribo West upon their arrival in Casablanca, Morocco, ahead of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025.
The ex-international, known for his passionate personality and deep faith, took time to inspire the young players with words of encouragement and discipline.
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West, a veteran of the 1998 FIFA World Cup and former player of Inter Milan and AC Milan, urged the girls to remain focused, obey their coaches’ instructions, and play for national pride as they prepare to represent Nigeria on the global stage.
“You are the next generation. God will give you grace and strength,” West told the team. “Be attentive to your coaches. Listen carefully to their instructions and avoid distractions. Don’t let anything—or anyone—take your focus away from your mission.”
He further emphasized that discipline and attitude are key ingredients for success in football, warning that poor habits and lack of focus can ruin promising careers.
“Discipline is everything,” he said. “Avoid bad habits. Respect your coaches, your teammates, and yourselves. When you listen to your coach, people will appreciate you for your performance.”
Reminding the Flamingos of Nigeria’s proud football heritage, West encouraged them to emulate the Super Falcons, who lifted the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) title in Morocco earlier this year.
“You will carry that cup back to Nigeria, just as your elder sisters did a few months ago,” he declared confidently. “I’ll be praying for you all.”
The Flamingos are drawn alongside France, Canada, and Samoa, and will kick off their World Cup campaign later this month.
