The Nigerian Senate has announced a ₦100 million donation to the Flamingos following the national Under-17 women's football team's historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the donation during Tuesday's plenary while presiding over a motion moved by Senator Abdul Ningi (ADC-Bauchi Central), seeking recognition and adequate rewards for the players.
Akpabio said the money was intended to recognise the team's achievement and encourage the players to continue representing the country.
“From the National Assembly, even if we don’t have anything to give these children, we will make a token of ₦100 million to them immediately,” he said.
The Senate President also urged wealthy Nigerians, businesspeople and philanthropists to support the players financially and encourage more young people to participate in sports.
Moving the motion, Ningi described the team's achievement as historic, noting that the players had accomplished what several other Nigerian national teams had struggled to achieve.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo North), who seconded the motion, praised the players for defeating Japan in the final and urged Nigerians to celebrate the country's achievements.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 on Saturday to become the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria's lead shortly after the restart.
Japan scored in the 80th minute but could not find an equaliser.
The victory also made Nigeria the first African country to win both the men's and women's FIFA U-17 World Cup titles.
Akpabio urged the Nigeria Football Federation to keep the players together and develop them for future competitions.
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