By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
Flamingos
President Bola Tinubu yesterday announced the award of a ₦100 million Federal Government Savings Bond to each player on Nigeria’s victorious U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos.
The reward was as a result of their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President directed that the N100 million reward for each player should be issued as a savings certificate, with the money preserved for the young footballers in view of their age.
The bonds attract an annual interest rate of 14 per cent annually. The investment by the government for the players is for a five-year period.
President Tinubu also announced a cash gift of ₦100 million for the coach and ₦50 million for each member of the technical crew.
The President announced the rewards during a reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja for the Flamingos, who reportedly won the U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Flamingos defeated Japan to become the first African team to win the tournament.
President Tinubu was represented at the reception by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Announcing the presidential package to the visibly excited players, the First Lady said the rewards were in fulfilment of Tinubu’s longstanding commitment to appropriately recognise 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.
”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”, she said.
Explaining the arrangement to the teenage footballers, Mrs Tinubu said the money would be preserved for their future rather than placed immediately at their disposal.
”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?
”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”, she asked.
The First Lady expressed optimism that the presidential rewards would be the beginning of further recognition for the players, particularly from their respective state governments.
”I believe that this is just the beginning of the celebration”, she said.
Earlier in her address, Mrs Tinubu described the Flamingos’ achievement as a defining moment in the history of Nigerian and African football, saying their victory had demonstrated the enormous potential of Nigerian youths when provided with opportunities to excel.
Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in the final played in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, November 7, to become the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The victory also made the Flamingos the first African women’s national team to win a FIFA World Cup title at any level.
”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 the team’s extraordinary recovery from an opening defeat in the tournament to record six consecutive victories, culminating in the final against Japan.
She particularly praised the determination and fighting spirit displayed by the players, noting that their success was a product of perseverance, discipline, commitment and teamwork.
”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 footballing accomplishments, Mrs Tinubu singled out the players’ humility and respect for African cultural values during their celebrations in Morocco.
She said she was particularly impressed by their respectful conduct towards FIFA officials and their expression of gratitude through prayers and worship after winning the championship.
”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.
”Always remember that you are proud Africans at any level. What you have done has shown the world that you are the best. But tell them that being respectful is part of our culture”, she said.
The First Lady urged the players not to allow their newfound international fame and financial rewards to distract them from their 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, members of his technical team, medical personnel and football administrators for their dedication and sacrifices in preparing the team for the global competition.
She praised the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for their contributions towards the development of Nigerian football.
The First Lady equally acknowledged the support of the players’ parents, guardians and millions of Nigerian football supporters, describing the victorious teenagers as living proof of the country’s immense reservoir of talent.
”Our young champions stand as a shining testament to our belief that our youth are our greatest asset and a source of national pride.
”On behalf of Mr President and the good people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I congratulate you once again. You have made our nation proud, and we celebrate every one of you”, she declared.
In a lighter moment at the beginning of the reception, Mrs Tinubu reassured the players, who had expected to meet the President personally, that she was receiving them with his full authority.
Drawing laughter from the gathering, she told the youngsters “if you have seen me, you have seen Mr. President. Is that good enough?”
She explained that the reception was being held at the President’s banquet hall because she was representing him, emphasising the importance the Presidency attached to their achievement.
The First Lady, finally, advised the young footballers to remain prayerful and never forget the values that sustained them throughout the competition.
”As a mother, always remember to pray. Don’t forget the humbling moment you stood together and started worshipping that night. Don’t ever forget that. Wherever we are, God brought us there”, she said.
The presidential reception came two days after the Flamingos returned to Abuja to a rousing welcome following their historic victory.
Their remarkable campaign in Morocco saw them recover from a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland before defeating Puerto Rico, defending champions North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil and Japan on their way to the title.
