The Special Adviser on Grassroots Sports Mobilisation to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo,

Frank Ilaboya,  has congratulated the Flamingos on beating Venezuela in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup in Morocco, and tipped them to defeat Brazil in tomorrow’s semi-finals .

Nigeria won the quarter-final 1-0On Sunday. They earlier beat defending champions North Korea 3-1 in the group stage.

“With what we have seen of these girls so far, defeating Brazil is not impossible,” Ilaboya said. “These young girls have exhibited strong character, resilience and great determination, and these are the ingredients of champions.

“This is why I am confident of victory over the Samba Girls on Wednesday. If they put up the same scintillating performance displayed against the defending champions, North Korea, I can see Brazil falling.”

Ilaboya said the team’s performance reinforces the need to identify young talent at the grassroots, in both boys’ and girls’ categories.

He said the Edo State government’s drive to scout raw talent must be extended to girls, arguing that engaging them early through sport is key to steering them away from societal vices.

“This opportunity created by His Excellency for the grassroots sports department must be fully extended to the girl child by engaging them early through constructive sports activities,” said Ilaboya, a former chairman of the Edo State Football Association.

He commended Okpebholo for creating a specialised department for grassroots sports, adding that his job is to go into communities across the state to find talent that will make Edo and Nigeria proud.

“We are putting together a comprehensive programme that will bring Edo State back to her dominance in age-grade tournaments,” he said.