Nigerian football legend and four-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Mercy Akide-Udoh, has given the Flamingos a powerful dose of motivation ahead of their opening match at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The former Super Falcons star, who now serves as FIFA’s Ambassador for the Women’s Game, spent time with Nigeria’s U-17 girls on Friday, sharing words of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration as they prepare to face Canada in their tournament opener on Sunday.

Akide-Udoh is currently in Morocco as part of the FIFA Players’ Voice Panel — a 16-member global body comprising former male and female players from all six football confederations. The panel’s mission is to advise and support FIFA and its 211 member associations in the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination in football.

During her interactive session with the young Flamingos, Mercy spoke passionately about resilience, unity, and self-belief, reminding them that representing Nigeria on the world stage is both a privilege and a responsibility.

> “You are not just playing for yourselves; you are playing for millions of young girls who dream to be like you one day,” she told the team. “Stay focused, stay humble, and let your football speak for you.”

As part of her broader role, Mercy Akide-Udoh will continue to lead educational initiatives to raise awareness about equality and inclusion in football. She also revealed plans to revisit the Flamingos before their opening match to offer further support and encouragement.

Her presence in Morocco — blending advocacy with mentorship — serves as a reminder of how icons like her continue to shape the next generation of African women’s football stars.