By IJEOMA OKIGBO

Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, on Tuesday in Abuja received Nigeria’s under-17 women’s football team who just returned from their historic outing at the just-concluded World Cup.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team which finished in third place in the tournament played in India arrived through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

They were received by various football stakeholders, before proceeding to a reception held for them by the Minister.

While receiving the team, the Minister lauded their efforts in making the country reach its first-ever semi-final stage of the competition as well as winning the bronze medals.

“We are extremely happy to receive you back to Nigeria. We want to thank you for your exploits in India, for displaying talents and skills and winning bronze.

“I must also commend the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the organisation, preparations and for making sure you went through the right of passage for the qualifiers.

“We want to see you graduate to the next level because you have the skills and talent and you will continue to be part of our national team.

“You are great ambassadors on and off the pitch and I will approach President Muhammadu Buhari and seek approval for you all to meet with him.

“Above all, as the Ministry, we will continue to support the federation especially in the areas of developing the game at the grassroots,” Dare said.

In response, Ibrahim Gusau, president of the NFF, thanked the Minister for his support and pledged that his administration would turn round for the better the fortunes of Nigerian football. (NAN)