Nigeria’s Flamingos have been promised a ₦100 million reward by the Senate following their historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph in Morocco. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the donation during Tuesday’s plenary, as lawmakers called for further federal recognition of the team’s achievement, Bold Sports reports.
The resolution followed a motion by Senate Committee on Sports chairman Abdul Ningi, who praised the players and the Nigeria Football Federation for delivering the country’s first title in the competition. Nigeria became the first African nation to win the tournament after beating Japan 2–1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat.
Ningi said the players deserved greater national celebration for a result that brought honour to Nigeria and the continent. He also raised concerns about the level of recognition given to the team following their return home, urging the authorities to match the significance of the victory with adequate support.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who seconded the motion, highlighted the players’ determination and called for financial assistance that would support their education alongside their football careers. The Senate subsequently urged the Federal Government to provide appropriate rewards and compensation for the squad.
More Read
Akpabio also called on the NFF and the National Sports Commission to sustain the team’s development and keep the players together for future competitions. The lawmakers commended President Bola Tinubu and NSC chairman Shehu Dikko for their contributions to sports development and the team’s success.
The Senate’s announcement adds a new reward pledge to the celebrations surrounding a landmark tournament for the Flamingos. Awawu Bashiru put Nigeria ahead in the 39th minute of the final before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the lead two minutes after the restart. Japan pulled a goal back through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but Nigeria held on to lift the trophy.
Umejiaku was named Player of the Match and also collected the Golden Ball as the tournament’s outstanding player. Her decisive strike against Japan was her fourth goal of the competition.
The victory completed a recovery from an opening 2–1 defeat to Poland. Nigeria also beat defending champions North Korea during the group stage and overcame Brazil 3–1 in the semi-finals, with Bashiru scoring twice after Queen Joseph had opened the scoring.
The squad returned to Abuja on Monday, where NFF acting general secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme and other federation officials visited their hotel later in the day. Ikpeme commended their discipline and dedication, describing the title as an achievement that had strengthened Nigeria’s standing in world football.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
