President Bola Tinubu has rewarded each member of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, with a savings certificate worth ₦100 million following their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, announced the rewards at a reception held at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja, where she represented the President. The head coach will receive ₦100 million in cash, while each member of the technical crew is to get ₦50 million.
She praised the players for winning six consecutive matches and commended their humility, discipline and respect after the final. According to her, the victory would inspire young girls and demonstrate that their ambitions could be realised on the global stage.
The First Lady also acknowledged the contributions of the coaches, technical and medical teams, administrators, parents and supporters who helped the team achieve the historic feat.
The Flamingos secured Nigeria’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title on November 7 after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku.
Although Nigeria lost its opening match 2-1 to Poland, the team recovered with victories over Puerto Rico, defending champions North Korea and Mexico. They subsequently defeated Brazil 3-1 in the semi-final to reach their first-ever final before overcoming Japan to claim the trophy.
President Tinubu had earlier congratulated the team, describing the victory as a proud moment for Nigeria and a landmark achievement for African women’s football. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, he said he received the news after returning from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.
The Senate also pledged ₦100 million in rewards for the team following a motion moved by the Chairman of its Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi, who commended the players and the Nigeria Football Federation for their contributions to the achievement.
The Flamingos’ triumph adds to recent successes by Nigeria’s women’s sporting teams, including the Super Falcons’ 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2025 and D’Tigress’ fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Afrobasket championship in the same year.