Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos on their victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, calling for national recognition of the team’s achievement.

In a statement he issued on Sunday and posted on his official Facebook page, Kalu also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to honour 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 Enyimba following the victories but expressed regret that the club did not receive similar recognition from the Federal Government.

Kalu said, “I warmly congratulate our gallant Flamingos on their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. By becoming the first African team to win the tournament, they have brought immense pride to Nigeria and deserve to be honoured for this remarkable achievement.

“As we celebrate our young champions, I also appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to extend national recognition to Enyimba International FC of Aba, which made history by winning the CAF Champions League back-to-back in 2003 and 2004, thus becoming the first Nigerian club to achieve that feat.

“As Governor of Abia State at the time, my administration honoured and rewarded the team. Regrettably, that historic achievement did not receive the recognition it deserved from the Federal Government.

“It is never too late to honour excellence by a nation that celebrates its heroes, past and present, inspires future generations to achieve greatness.”

Enyimba won the CAF Champions League in 2003 and successfully defended the title in 2004, becoming the first Nigerian club to win Africa’s premier club competition.