The House Committee on Sports has thrown its weight behind the U-20 Women National Team ahead of its second leg, second round 2012 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier against the Young Mighty Warriors of Zimbabwe scheduled for next weekend in Harare.

House Committee’s Chairman, Godfrey Gaiya gave the assurance on Thursday evening during an unscheduled visit to the team’s training session at the FIFA Goal Project Centre.

In his address, Gaiya reminded the players of the need to remain level-headed in their respective careers while insisting there was no shortcut to success. A surprise gift of N500,000 was handed to the team by the committee chairman.

“First let me use this opportunity to congratulate the team on their victory against Zimbabwe last Saturday in Abeokuta. It was a cheering result that we want you to keep up when you face your opponents in the return leg,” said the Chairman.

“But let me still remind you all of the events of last year in Football, how nearly all the national teams failed to qualify for the different championships. Yes that is history which is why l have personally come to address you girls not to  let Nigerians down in your quest to qualify for the World Cup and go a step further to surpass the record of the previous team to the 2010 edition that reached the final but lost to Germany.

“Agreed, it is a huge task placed on your shoulders but with our support and your committment, you can do it,” he added.

While thanking the chairman, Chief Coach, Edwin Okon assured that the team would not only qualify for the next round of the qualifiers but equally secure one of the two tickets reserved for Africa to the FIFA Women World Cup holding in Japan.

“You have said it all and we must say that your visit is such a timely one that has lifted the spirit of the girls to give their best,” said Okon.