By Suad Ayinla
Edited by Bababunmi Agbebi
Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, has received a major financial reward from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following its historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The announcement was made by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu during a reception organised in honour of the team at the Presidential Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja.
Under the reward package, each player will receive a ₦100 million Federal Government Savings Certificate. The team’s head coach will receive ₦100 million in cash, while each member of the technical crew will be rewarded with ₦50 million in cash.
The recognition follows the Flamingos’ impressive campaign in Morocco, where they defeated Japan 2–1 in the final to become the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Federal Government’s reward comes shortly after Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced a separate ₦100 million donation to the team. The Senate’s recognition followed calls by lawmakers for the young players to be adequately rewarded for their achievement and contribution to Nigerian sports.
Beyond the financial rewards, the Flamingos’ victory has renewed conversations about the need for sustained investment in women’s football in Nigeria. Improved training facilities, quality coaching, international exposure and proper career development opportunities remain important to helping young female footballers reach their full potential.
For the players, the achievement represents more than winning a trophy. It is a milestone for Nigerian women’s football and a reminder of the talent emerging from the country’s grassroots sporting system.
As celebrations continue over the historic achievement, attention now turns to whether the recognition will translate into long-term support for women’s football and create more opportunities for the next generation of Nigerian female athletes.
Will the Flamingos’ historic victory become a turning point for women’s football in Nigeria, or will the attention fade after the celebrations?
