President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a cash reward of N100 million for each player of Nigeria’s victorious Under-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 President also approved N100 million for the team’s head coach, Akeem Busari, while each member of the technical crew will receive N50 million in recognition of their contributions to the country’s historic achievement.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, announced the rewards on Wednesday at a special presidential reception organised in honour of the world champions at the State House, Abuja, where she represented the President.
She said the President directed that the N100 million reward for each player should be issued as a savings certificate to preserve the money for their future, given their young age.
Announcing the package, Mrs Tinubu said the rewards were in fulfilment of President Tinubu’s commitment to recognising Nigerian athletes who bring honour to the country.
“Before I conclude, let me recall Mr President’s promise to every Nigerian athlete: Make Nigeria proud and come back to a grateful nation,” she said.
“In fulfilment of this promise, it is my pleasure, on behalf of the President, to announce the following rewards for the players, technical crew and administrators of the Flamingos, whose collective efforts have brought honour and pride to our nation by winning the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
“For all our players, Mr President is awarding you a savings certificate of N100 million each. Each of you is getting N100 million.”
Explaining the savings arrangement to the teenage footballers, the First Lady said the money would be held in trust for them rather than made immediately available for spending.
“Do you know what a savings certificate is? It is money, but it is in trust for you. You are still very young. Do you want to start handling N100 million now?” she asked.
She added, “For the coach, a reward of N100 million cash, and then for the technical crew, N50 million each. That’s what Mr President said I should tell you.”
Mrs Tinubu expressed optimism that the presidential rewards would mark the beginning of more recognition for the players, particularly from their respective state governments.
“I believe that this is just the beginning of the celebration,” she said.
Earlier, the First Lady described the Flamingos’ victory as a defining moment in Nigerian and African football, noting that the team had made history by becoming the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in the final played in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, November 7, to claim the title.
The victory also made the Flamingos the first African women’s national team to win a FIFA World Cup trophy at any level.
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“Today, we celebrate a remarkable moment in the history of Nigeria and African sports. By emerging victorious in the final of the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Saturday, you have made Nigeria the first African nation to win this prestigious title.
“You have also become the first African women’s team to win a FIFA World Cup at any level. This is a truly remarkable and historic achievement, and the entire nation is proud of you,” she said.
The First Lady recalled how the team recovered from an opening defeat to Poland to record six consecutive victories on their way to the championship, praising the players for their determination, discipline and teamwork.
She specifically acknowledged the goals scored by Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku in the final against Japan.
“Through perseverance, strong determination and teamwork, you won six consecutive matches and ultimately made history as world champions.
“We all erupted in celebration as Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scored the goals that secured this historic victory,” she said.
Beyond their achievement on the pitch, Mrs Tinubu urged the players to preserve the humility and respect they displayed throughout the competition, particularly in their interactions with FIFA officials.
“I watched you. I saw the way you greeted the FIFA officials, the African way. Don’t lose that. We are Africans, and don’t ever lose that,” she said.
She urged the young champions not to allow fame and financial rewards to distract them from their education, personal development and professional ambitions.
“I urge you to remain humble, disciplined and focused, and always remember that Nigeria believes in you.
“You have elevated Nigerian football, inspired millions of young girls and opened a new chapter for women’s football in Africa, showing every Nigerian child that their dreams are valid and achievable, even on the biggest stages in the world,” she added.
Mrs Tinubu also commended Coach Busari, his technical team, medical personnel and football administrators for their dedication and sacrifices in preparing the team for the competition.
She praised the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, its Director-General, Bukola Olopade, and the Nigeria Football Federation for their contributions to the development of Nigerian football.
The First Lady further acknowledged the support of the players’ parents, guardians and millions of Nigerian football supporters, describing the teenagers as evidence of the country’s immense sporting potential.
The presidential reception came two days after the Flamingos returned to Abuja to a rousing welcome following their historic victory in Morocco.
