Nigeria’s Flamingos have been rewarded with N100 million Federal Government savings certificates each after becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu presented the rewards when she welcomed the U-17 women’s national team to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
The certificates will be held in trust and invested in five-year bonds, allowing the players to benefit from returns that can support their education and future careers.
Head coach Akeem Busari received N100 million in cash, while each member of the technical crew was awarded N50 million.
The reception celebrated the Flamingos’ 2-1 victory over Japan in the final in Rabat, Morocco, and their remarkable recovery after losing their opening match to Poland.
Nigeria then recorded six successive wins, defeating defending champions North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil before goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku secured the title.
“Their collective effort has brought honor and pride to the nation,” Senator Tinubu told the players and coaching staff as she presented bouquets and announced the rewards.
The achievement means Nigeria is now the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Awawu Bashiru, who scored in the final, dedicated her goals at the tournament to her late father, who died in March.
“I am happy I scored a goal. I dedicate all the goals I scored at the World Cup to my dad who I lost in March. There were a lot of people who wished to be in our position today, so I’m grateful for this achievement. My dream is to progress through the U20s, the Super Falcons, play abroad and make my family proud,” she said.
Teammate Queen Joseph said the team believed it could follow the achievements of Nigeria’s senior women’s side.
“I have the belief, a hundred percent that everything the Senior team has achieved and yet to, we can do it,” she said.
Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, joined the First Lady at the ceremony, where the players received further recognition and posed for photographs with the trophy.
The victory has raised the profile of African women’s football and offered encouragement to young girls who aspire to compete at the highest level.
For the Flamingos, the Abuja reception represented a landmark moment following their success in Morocco. Their comeback from an opening defeat to world champions was also a further example of the resilience associated with Nigerian sport.
The players left the Presidential Villa with their medals, rewards and the distinction of having secured a historic first for the continent.