President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a ₦100 million reward for each player of Nigeria’s victorious U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President also approved ₦100 million for the team’s head coach, Hakeem Busari, while each member of the technical crew will receive ₦50 million in recognition of their contributions to the historic achievement.
The rewards were announced on Wednesday by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who represented the President at a special reception organised in honour of the world champions at the State House, Abuja.
Under the arrangement, each player will receive a ₦100 million Federal Government savings bond, designed to preserve the funds for their future, considering that most members of the team are teenagers.
The coach’s reward, however, will be paid in cash, while members of the technical crew will also receive cash incentives.
Announcing the package, the First Lady said the gesture was in fulfilment of President Tinubu’s commitment to rewarding Nigerian athletes who bring honour and international recognition to the country.
She recalled the President’s promise to Nigerian athletes to make the country proud and return to a grateful nation.
The presidential reward comes after the Flamingos achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in the final played in Rabat, Morocco, on November 7, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku securing the coveted trophy.
The team recovered from an opening-match defeat to Poland to record six consecutive victories on their way to becoming world champions.
The First Lady praised the players for their resilience, discipline, teamwork and humility, urging them not to allow their new-found fame and financial rewards to distract them from their education and professional ambitions.
She also commended the coaching crew, medical personnel, football administrators, parents and supporters whose contributions helped the team achieve the historic feat.
The presidential recognition comes amid widespread celebrations over the Flamingos’ achievement, which has placed Nigeria at the forefront of African women’s youth football.
The Senate had also announced a separate ₦100 million reward for the team in recognition of its historic World Cup victory.
