In a landmark recognition of achievement, President Bola Tinubu has awarded the Flamingos, Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, with cash rewards following their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Each player will receive a savings certificate valued at ₦100 million, while head coach Hakeem Busari is set to receive ₦100 million in cash. Additionally, each member of the technical crew will be awarded ₦50 million.
The announcement was made by Senator Oluremi Tinubu during a reception held at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja. She praised the Flamingos for their exemplary performance, which included winning six consecutive matches and demonstrating humility and discipline after their victory. Senator Tinubu emphasized that this achievement would serve as an inspiration for young girls and showcase that their ambitions can be realized on the global stage.
In the final match held on November 7, the Flamingos secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup title by defeating Japan 2-1, with impactful goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku. The team had initially faced a setback with a 2-1 loss to Poland in their opening match but showed remarkable resilience, overcoming defending champions North Korea, Puerto Rico, and Mexico to reach the final.
President Tinubu expressed his pride in the team, noting their victory as a significant milestone not just for Nigeria but for African women’s football as a whole. The Senate further pledged a ₦100 million reward for the team, following a motion put forth by Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports.
This triumph follows other notable achievements by Nigerian sports teams, including the Super Falcons’ 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2024 and the D’Tigress’ historic win at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket.
