The Senate of Nigeria has officially pledged a financial reward of N100 million to the nation’s U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, following their historic success in a recent international football tournament. This commitment was announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session devoted to celebrating the team’s achievement.
The motion to recognize the team was sponsored by Senator Abdul Ningi, who highlighted the need for national acknowledgment and adequate compensation for the young athletes. In addition to the financial pledge, the Senate urged the Federal Government to offer further incentives to the players, emphasizing that their accomplishments represent a significant source of pride for Nigeria, Africa, and young women.
Senate President Akpabio expressed the assembly’s determination to honor the players for their remarkable performance, stating that the National Assembly would ensure the reward is disbursed promptly. He remarked, “From the National Assembly, even if we do not have anything else to give these children, we will make a token of N100 million to them immediately.”
The resolution followed a series of discussions among senators who expressed concern about the lack of adequate publicity and recognition for the team’s achievements. Senator Ningi pointed out that their victory was especially noteworthy given Nigeria’s recent challenges in international football, contrasting their success with the failures of senior teams such as the Super Eagles and the Super Falcons to qualify for recent World Cups.
During the debate, Senator Ned Nwoko hailed the Flamingos as national heroes, citing their impressive performances against top-tier football nations. He emphasized the remarkable mental toughness displayed by the players during challenging matches, particularly those that ended in penalty shootouts.
Senator Ningi criticized the insufficient media coverage surrounding the tournament and noted the lack of high-level government representation upon the team’s return home. He underscored the need for proper acknowledgment of their success, stating, “These teenagers have achieved what many other national teams have not been able to achieve.”
Lawmakers called for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to retain the team intact for future international competitions, which would enhance their cohesiveness and performance. They also insisted on a broader celebration of the Flamingos’ historic victory over powerful nations, reinforcing the idea that Nigerian youth can compete on the global stage when given the right support.
As a final note, the Senate directed that the proceedings and resolutions concerning the Flamingos be documented for future reference, reflecting their commitment to celebrate and support the achievements of young Nigerian athletes.
