Contrary to the expectation of some persons, President Bola Tinubu has chosen to put smiles on the faces of the victorious Flamingos rather than just a presidential handshake.
Many had thought that the President would settle for just tokenism because of their age,U17, but true to his style of rewarding past sporting heroes and heroines, the president splashed ₦100 million on the players as appreciation for their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President also approved ₦100 million for the team’s head coach, while members of the technical crew are to receive ₦50 million each.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, announced the rewards on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 when she received the players and their officials at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on behalf of the President.
She said the country was proud of the young champions, adding that the money would be kept in trust for the players in designated banks.
The Flamingos became the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, representing another milestone to Nigeria’s record in international age-grade football.
The reception at the Presidential Villa provided an opportunity for the Federal Government to celebrate the players, who returned to Nigeria after an impressive campaign in Morocco.
The First Lady congratulated the team for their determination, resilience and discipline, describing their achievement as a source of national pride.
She also commended the coaching crew and officials for their contributions to the historic outing.
The President’s reward comes in addition to other financial incentives already announced for the team by public and private individuals following their victory.
The Nigerian Senate had earlier pledged a collective ₦100 million donation to the Flamingos in recognition of their achievement before President Tinubu’s latest announcement,
The pledge was announced on Tuesday during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following a motion sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District.
The lawmakers congratulated the team and urged the Federal Government and relevant sports authorities to sustain investment in women’s football.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, also called for measures to support the players’ education and future beyond football.
The Senate’s ₦100 million pledge is separate from the President’s latest reward of ₦100 million for each player, the head coach and N50m for members of the technical crew.
The Flamingos have also received a $50,000 cash gift from Saleh Ahmadu, a private sponsor of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
The donation was announced during a special reception organised for the team in Rabat following their victory.
The event was hosted by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, with Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, also in attendance.
President Tinubu had equally directed the settlement of outstanding bonuses and allowances owed to the team throughout its qualifying campaign and participation in the competition.
The Flamingos’ triumph followed an impressive recovery from their opening 2-1 defeat to Poland in the group stage.
Nigeria subsequently defeated Puerto Rico 2-0 and defending champions Korea DPR 3-1 to advance to the knockout rounds.
The team defeated Mexico 2-1 in the round of 16 before overcoming Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals.
In the semi-finals, the Nigerian girls produced a remarkable performance to beat Brazil 3-1 and secure their first-ever appearance in the final.
Against Japan, Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage shortly after the restart.
Japan pulled one goal back in the 80th minute through Fuki Ito, but the Flamingos held on to secure a historic 2-1 victory.
The triumph made Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and further strengthened the country’s reputation in international age-grade football.
The latest presidential reward, alongside the Senate’s donation and private-sector support, has brought the young champions significant recognition, with expectations mounting that the NFF and NSC will sustain investment in their development and provide a pathway to the senior national team.
