Precious Nwonu, Enugu
President Bola Tinubu has announced a ₦100m reward for each player of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, following their historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The reward, presented in the form of savings certificates, was announced by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at a reception held in honour of the team at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja.
The First Lady, who represented the President at the event, said the team’s head coach would receive ₦100m in cash, while each member of the technical crew would be given ₦50m.
She praised the players for their determination and achievement, noting that they won six consecutive matches after losing their opening game. She also commended their discipline, humility and conduct after the final.
According to her, the victory would encourage young girls across the country to pursue their ambitions and believe in their ability to succeed on the international stage.
She also acknowledged the contributions of the coaching crew, medical and technical staff, administrators, parents and supporters.
The Flamingos secured Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final on November 7. Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku sealed the historic win.
Although Nigeria began the competition with a 2-1 defeat to Poland, the team recovered to defeat defending champions North Korea, Puerto Rico and Mexico.
They booked their first-ever place in the final with a 3-1 victory over Brazil before overcoming Japan to claim the trophy.
President Tinubu had earlier congratulated the players, describing their achievement as a landmark moment for Nigeria and African women’s football.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he received news of the victory after returning from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.
The Senate had also pledged ₦100m to reward the team. The commitment followed a motion moved by the Chairman of its Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi, who praised the players and commended the Nigeria Football Federation for its contribution to their success.
The Flamingos’ achievement adds to Nigeria’s recent successes in women’s sports, including the Super Falcons’ 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2025 and D’Tigress’ victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament.
Leave a Reply