Senate pledges N100m to Flamingos after historic World Cup victoryr

The Senate has announced a N100 million donation to Nigeria’s 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.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the donation during plenary on Tuesday while presiding over a motion sponsored by Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central.

Akpabio said the money was intended to recognise the players’ achievement and encourage them to continue representing the country.

The announcement followed an appeal by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, who urged the Senate leadership to support the players financially, particularly to help them combine their education with their sporting careers.

The Senate also called on the Federal Government to adequately reward the team for its achievement.

Akpabio urged the Nigeria Football Federation to sustain the team and continue developing the young players for future competitions.

He also appealed to wealthy Nigerians and sports enthusiasts to support the players and encourage other young people to pursue careers in sports.

The Flamingos made history on Saturday by defeating Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat, becoming the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the lead shortly after the restart. Japan scored in the 80th minute but could not find an equaliser.

The victory also marked Nigeria’s first-ever global title in women’s football.

The team returned to Nigeria with the trophy on Monday.