Nigeria’s Senate has announced a ₦100 million donation to the country’s victorious U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the financial reward during plenary on Tuesday while presiding over a motion moved by Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, seeking national recognition for the young footballers.
The motion followed Nigeria’s remarkable 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final in Rabat, where the Flamingos became the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Leading the discussion, Ningi described the achievement as a historic moment for Nigerian and African football, noting that the young players had accomplished something several other national teams had struggled to achieve.
He expressed concern that the team’s remarkable performance had not received sufficient publicity and recognition before and during the competition, insisting that the players deserved to be celebrated for bringing honour to the country.
Ningi also questioned the level of official reception given to the players following their return to Nigeria, arguing that their achievement deserved greater recognition from government authorities.
Seconding the motion, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, praised the Flamingos for defeating Japan and demonstrating the determination and potential of Nigerian youths.
Oshiomhole also appealed to the Senate leadership to provide financial support for the players, particularly to assist with their educational needs alongside their football careers.
Responding to the appeal, Akpabio announced a ₦100 million donation on behalf of the National Assembly, describing the financial commitment as a way of recognising the players’ outstanding achievement and encouraging them to continue representing Nigeria.
The Senate President also called on the Federal Government to provide additional financial rewards for the team, stressing that their achievement deserved adequate national appreciation.
Akpabio urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ensure that the players remained together and continued developing their understanding and teamwork for future international competitions.
He further appealed to wealthy Nigerians, business leaders and sports enthusiasts to support the young champions and encourage other children to pursue sporting excellence.
The Senate also commended President Bola Tinubu for his support for sports development and congratulated the National Sports Commission, particularly its chairman, Shehu Dikko, for its contribution to the team’s success.
The lawmakers subsequently adopted the motion, urging the Federal Government to ensure that the players receive appropriate compensation and recognition for their historic achievement.
The ₦100 million pledge represents another financial commitment to the Flamingos following their remarkable campaign in Morocco, although the announcement does not in itself confirm that the money has already been disbursed.
Nigeria’s triumph was sealed through goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku in the final against Japan. Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Umejiaku doubled the advantage two minutes into the second half. Japan pulled one back in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian girls held on to secure the historic title.
The victory also marked Nigeria’s first-ever triumph in the competition and made the country the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since its introduction in 2008.
Beyond the trophy, the Flamingos’ achievement has renewed calls for greater investment in women’s football, youth development and grassroots sporting programmes in Nigeria.
With the Senate now pledging ₦100 million and urging further government support, attention will turn to ensuring that the financial promises are fulfilled and that the young champions receive the recognition and opportunities their achievement deserves.
