President Tinubu awards Flamingos players ₦100m each after historic U-17 World Cup triumph
President Bola Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s Flamingos with ₦100 million savings bonds per player following their historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph, while the coaching staff and technical crew will also receive financial incentives.
President Bola Tinubu has rewarded every member of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, with ₦100 million following their historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The rewards were announced on Wednesday, November 11, by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who represented the President during a special reception held in honour of the victorious team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Under the presidential reward package, each Flamingos player will receive a ₦100 million savings certificate, while head coach Akeem Busari is entitled to ₦100 million in cash. Members of the technical crew will each receive ₦50 million.
Explaining the decision to place the players’ rewards in savings certificates rather than hand them the money directly, the First Lady said the arrangement was designed to protect their financial interests because of their young age.
“For all our players, Mr President is awarding you all with savings certificate of one hundred million naira each,” she announced.
She subsequently explained that the money would be held in trust for the players, questioning whether the teenage footballers were ready to start managing such substantial sums themselves.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has provided further details about the investment arrangement, confirming that the players’ rewards will be placed in five-year Federal Government Savings Bonds.
The investment will generate regular returns, allowing the young footballers to benefit financially while continuing their education and football development. The principal amount will remain invested until the bonds mature.
The First Lady also urged the players not to allow their success and financial rewards to make them forget the values that helped them achieve their historic feat. She encouraged them to remain prayerful, humble and disciplined as they progress in their careers.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate has announced an additional ₦100 million reward for the entire team in recognition of its achievement. The separate gesture adds to the financial recognition already approved by the President.
The Flamingos made history on November 7 after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat, Morocco, to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s triumph was particularly remarkable considering the team’s difficult start to the competition, having lost their opening match before recovering to win six consecutive games.
The young Nigerians also defeated Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals before overcoming Japan to secure the country’s first-ever title in the competition.
The victory represents a significant milestone for Nigerian women’s football, with the Flamingos finally converting years of competitive progress into a world championship.
