Senate Announces N100m Reward For Flamingos After Historic World Cup Victory
Nigeria’s Senate has announced a N100 million financial reward for the country’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the reward during plenary on Tuesday, November 10, after lawmakers considered a motion congratulating the team on its achievement.
The motion was sponsored by Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports.
Ningi described the Flamingos’ triumph as a historic achievement, noting that the young players had accomplished what several other Nigerian national teams had struggled to achieve.
He also expressed concern that the team’s success had not received sufficient publicity and national recognition, particularly following their return to Nigeria.
Seconding the motion, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, praised the players for defeating Japan in the final.
Oshiomhole also appealed to the Senate leadership to provide financial assistance to the team, particularly to support the players’ educational pursuits alongside their football careers.
Responding to the appeal, Akpabio announced a N100 million contribution from the National Assembly in recognition of the team’s achievement.
He also called on the Federal Government to provide additional rewards for the players, urging the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to retain the team and continue developing the young talents for future competitions.
The Senate subsequently adopted the motion, congratulating President Bola Tinubu, Nigerians and the leadership of the National Sports Commission, particularly its Chairman, Shehu Dikko, on the country’s achievement.
It also urged the Federal Government to ensure that the players receive adequate compensation and recognition for bringing honour to Nigeria.
Akpabio further appealed to wealthy Nigerians and sports enthusiasts to support the team and encourage more young people to participate in sports.
The announcement follows the Flamingos’ historic 2-1 victory over Japan in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Saturday, November 7, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the advantage two minutes into the second half.
Japan reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian girls held on to secure the title.
The victory made Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the first African women’s team to claim a FIFA world title at any level.
Umejiaku also received the tournament’s Golden Ball award in recognition of her outstanding performances.
The Senate’s N100 million reward is among the financial recognitions announced following the team’s historic achievement, although confirmation of the actual disbursement remains outstanding.
