President Bola Tinubu has rewarded members of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, with ₦100 million each following their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The awards were announced by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who represented the President at a reception held in honour of the team at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja.
According to the announcement, each player will receive a savings certificate valued at ₦100 million. The head coach is to receive ₦100 million in cash, while every member of the technical crew will receive ₦50 million.
The First Lady congratulated the players for their outstanding performance, highlighting their achievement of winning six consecutive matches after their opening defeat. She also praised their discipline, humility and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
She said the team’s victory would inspire young Nigerian girls to pursue their ambitions and demonstrate that they can achieve success on the international stage.
The Flamingos made history on November 7, defeating Japan 2–1 in the final to claim Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title. Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku secured the landmark victory.
Although Nigeria lost its opening match 2–1 to Poland, the team recovered strongly, defeating defending champions North Korea, Puerto Rico and Mexico. They subsequently overcame Brazil 3–1 in the semi-final to reach their first-ever final before defeating Japan.
President Tinubu had earlier congratulated the team, describing the achievement as a proud moment for Nigeria and a landmark for African women’s football.
The Senate has also pledged ₦100 million in recognition of the team’s achievement. The pledge followed a motion moved by Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, who commended the players and the Nigeria Football Federation.
The Flamingos’ triumph adds to Nigeria’s recent achievements in women’s sports. The Super Falcons won their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2025, while D’Tigress secured their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket championship the same year.
The Presidential recognition and financial rewards mark another major moment in the celebration of the young players who have brought international attention to Nigerian and African women’s football.
