Women’s soccer: First Lady congratulates U17 women’s national team on qualifying for World Cup
On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the First Lady, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, welcomed the members of the U17 women’s national soccer team to her offices. The team recently qualified for the upcoming World Cup, which will be held from October 17 to November 8, 2025, in Morocco.
The ceremony witnessed the participation of Mr. Essoh Lath, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Minister of Sports and Living Environment, as well as Mr. Idriss Diallo, President of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), Mr. Malick Tohé, as well as the entire technical, athletic, and medical staff, whose support enabled the team to distinguish itself.
Taking the floor, First Lady Dominique Ouattara praised the performance of these young players, which earned them a place in the upcoming U17 Women’s World Cup. “Your performance is truly admirable. You have showed your talent, determination, and team spirit throughout the qualifiers. Today, you are the ambassadors of women’s soccer in our country, and you are flying our colors high in this international competition,“ she said, before adding: ”Thanks to your discipline and solidarity, you have proven that women’s soccer in Côte d’Ivoire is on the rise, and this sport, formerly reserved for men, has a bright future ahead of it in.”
Mrs. Dominique Ouattara also encouraged Ivorian youth, both girls and boys, to practice sports regularly, calling it “a true school of life that teaches discipline, team spirit, and pushing oneself to improve.”
For Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, this brilliant performance by the women’s under-17 team is a perfect example of courage and determination in achieving dreams. She encouraged the girls to always believe in themselves and their potential, which now makes them role models for an entire generation of girls. “I encourage you to continue to believe in yourselves, to work hard, and to remain united in the team spirit that has brought you to where you are today. You are role models for a whole generation of young girls here and elsewhere, for whom you are proof that dreams can come true when you dedicate yourself to them with passion and perseverance,” said Mrs. Dominique Ouattara.
The First Lady also expressed the hope that the U17 women’s national team would win the World Cup in this 9th edition.
Idriss Yacine Diallo, President of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), thanked the First Lady for her commitment to promoting football through the Dominique Ouattara Cup.
Miss Coulibaly Myriam, vice-captain and spokesperson for the football team, also thanked the First Lady for her commitment to the cause of the most vulnerable. She revealed that Mrs. Dominique Ouattara remains a source of inspiration for each member of the women’s team. “Mrs Dominique Ouattara, our patron, you are a source of inspiration for us and a mother whose work drives us to go further,” she said.
It should be noted that the First Lady presented her goddaughters with an envelope containing 5 million CFA francs to congratulate and encourage them for their achievement. A cocktail reception brought this pleasant ceremony to a close.