President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a ₦100 million reward for each member of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The reward was announced by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday, November 11, when she received the victorious players and their officials at a special reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on behalf of the President.
Under the presidential package, each player will receive a ₦100 million Federal Government Savings Bond, while head coach, Akeem Busari, will receive ₦100 million in cash. Each member of the technical crew is also entitled to ₦50 million in cash.
The savings bonds are intended to secure the players’ financial future, considering that most members of the squad are still teenagers. The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, explained that the arrangement would allow the young footballers to benefit from investment returns while continuing their education and sporting development.
The presidential reward follows an earlier intervention by the Nigerian Senate, which announced a ₦100 million donation to the team in recognition of its achievement. The lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to adequately reward the players and urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to sustain support for the team.
The Flamingos made history on November 7 after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final played in Rabat, Morocco, becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku secured the victory for Nigeria, despite Japan’s late attempt to stage a comeback.
Reacting to the achievement, Coach Busari expressed appreciation to the players, technical crew, football authorities, government and Nigerians at home and abroad for their support throughout the competition.
He described the triumph as an achievement that went beyond winning the trophy, highlighting the players’ resilience, determination and the collective commitment of the coaching team.
The latest presidential recognition also follows the Tinubu administration’s reward for the senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, after their 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket triumph. Each player received $100,000, while members of the technical crew were awarded $50,000 each.
The Flamingos’ historic victory has further strengthened Nigeria’s record in women’s football and renewed attention on the importance of investing in young female athletes, grassroots development and sustainable opportunities for emerging sporting talents.
President Tinubu awards each Flamingos player a ₦100 million savings bond, with ₦100 million for coach Akeem Busari and ₦50 million for each technical crew member after Nigeria’s historic U-17 Women’s World Cup victory.