President Bola Tinubu has announced a ₦100 million reward for each player of Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The award was announced by the 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.
Under the reward package, each player will receive a savings certificate valued at ₦100 million, while the head coach will be given ₦100 million in cash. Members of the technical crew are also set to receive ₦50 million each.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady congratulated the players for their outstanding performance, particularly their ability to record six consecutive victories after their opening defeat.
She also praised the team's discipline, humility and sportsmanship, noting that their conduct after the final demonstrated admirable character.
According to her, the achievement would serve as a source of inspiration to young Nigerian girls, demonstrating that determination and hard work can open doors to success on the international stage.
Senator Tinubu equally acknowledged the contributions of the coaching staff, medical personnel, team administrators, parents and supporters towards the historic accomplishment.
The Flamingos secured Nigeria's first-ever FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title on November 7 after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final, with Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scoring the decisive goals.
Although Nigeria began the competition with a 2-1 defeat to Poland, the team recovered impressively, recording victories over defending champions North Korea, Puerto Rico and Mexico.
They subsequently booked their maiden appearance in the final with a 3-1 victory over Brazil before overcoming Japan to claim the championship.
President Tinubu had earlier congratulated the team, describing the victory as a landmark achievement for Nigeria and a proud moment for African women's football.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he received news of the team's success upon returning from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.
The Senate had also pledged ₦100 million in recognition of the team's accomplishment.
The pledge followed a motion moved by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi, who commended the players for their exceptional performance and acknowledged the Nigeria Football Federation's contribution to their success.
The Flamingos' historic achievement adds to Nigeria's growing record in women's sports, coming less than two years after the Super Falcons secured their 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.
Similarly, Nigeria's senior women's basketball team, D'Tigress, won the 2025 FIBA Women's Afrobasket Championship, further reinforcing the country's dominance in women's sports.
