Tinubu Rewards Flamingos With ₦100m Each After Historic World Cup Win
For the young Nigerian footballers who conquered the world in Morocco, their historic victory has come with an extraordinary reward: ₦100 million each from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The President has approved ₦100 million for every member of the victorious U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic 2-1 defeat of Japan in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Their head coach will also receive ₦100 million, while members of the technical crew are to get ₦50 million each.
The rewards were announced by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, when she received the players and their officials at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on behalf of the President.
She congratulated the young champions, describing their achievement as a source of national pride, and disclosed that the players’ money would be kept in trust for them in designated banks.
The presidential gesture is a major recognition of the team’s achievement, having made history as the first African side to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Senate, private sponsor add to rewards
The presidential reward comes on the heels of other financial incentives announced for the team.
On Tuesday, the Senate pledged a collective ₦100 million donation to the Flamingos following a motion sponsored by Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports.
Announcing the pledge during plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio congratulated the players and called for sustained investment in women’s football.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole also urged relevant authorities to support the players’ education and prepare them for life beyond football.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, a private sponsor of the National Sports Commission (NSC), donated $50,000 to the team during a special reception in Rabat, Morocco.
The reception was hosted by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, with Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in attendance.
President Tinubu had also directed the settlement of outstanding bonuses and allowances owed to the players during their qualifying campaign and participation in the tournament.
Obi’s airport encounter sparks controversy
Amid the celebrations, a disagreement emerged over an alleged attempt by former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to congratulate the returning champions at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Obi alleged in a statement on Monday, 9 November, that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prevented him from approaching the players after he noticed them returning from Morocco with the trophy.
He said his protocol officer was informed that the officials could lose their jobs if they allowed him to meet the team.
The former governor described the incident as an example of what he called toxic politics, expressing concern that political considerations could undermine ordinary gestures of national solidarity.
However, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko disputed the account, saying officials who received the team did not see Obi around the players.
Dikko explained that two individuals wearing campaign-branded face caps and other political materials had approached officials seeking a meeting and photograph session with the players.
He said the request was declined because it was unexpected, had not been communicated in advance and involved campaign-related materials.
According to him, the Flamingos arrived at about 5.30am through the international terminal after a demanding journey and needed to complete their arrival procedures.
Dikko also stressed that the players are minors and that access to them must be properly coordinated.
He demanded an apology from Obi, insisting that the team’s achievement should not be overshadowed by political disagreements.
From opening defeat to world champions
The Flamingos’ historic triumph was built on an impressive comeback after losing their opening group match 2-1 to Poland.
They recovered with victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions Korea DPR to qualify for the knockout stage.
Nigeria subsequently defeated Mexico 2-1 in the round of 16, overcame Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals and produced a commanding 3-1 victory over Brazil in the semi-finals to reach their first-ever final.
Against Japan in Rabat, Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku extended Nigeria’s advantage shortly after the restart.
Japan reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian girls held firm to secure a memorable 2-1 victory.
The triumph made Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, marking a significant milestone for women’s football on the continent.
Beyond the financial rewards and national celebrations, the challenge now is to sustain the momentum by investing in the players’ education, welfare and football development, while creating a clear pathway for the young champions to progress to the senior national team.
Join Our WhatsApp Community
