The Senate has donated N100m to Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the donation during plenary on Tuesday while presiding over a motion sponsored by Senator Abdul Ningi (ADC, Bauchi Central), congratulating the team on its achievement.
Moving the motion, Ningi described the victory as historic, noting that the young players had accomplished what several other Nigerian national teams had struggled to achieve.
He said the triumph was particularly remarkable given the limited expectations surrounding the team before the competition.
The senator, however, expressed concern that the players had not received adequate publicity and national recognition, particularly upon their return to the country.
Seconding the motion, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) praised the Flamingos for defeating Japan in the final, describing their victory as a demonstration of the potential and determination of Nigerian youths.
Oshiomhole urged Nigerians to celebrate the country’s achievements rather than focus solely on its challenges.
He also appealed to the Senate leadership to provide financial support for the players, particularly to assist with their educational needs alongside their sporting careers.
The Senate subsequently adopted the motion, congratulating President Bola Tinubu on his support for sports development, as well as the National Sports Commission and its chairman, Shehu Dikko, for their contributions.
It also urged the Federal Government to provide adequate rewards and compensation for the players in recognition of their achievement.
In his remarks, Akpabio described the victory as a significant milestone for Nigeria and Africa, noting that the Flamingos defeated established football nations, including Brazil and Japan, on their way to winning the competition.
He urged the Federal Government to adequately reward the players and called on the Nigeria Football Federation to sustain the team and further develop the young talents for future competitions.
The Senate President also appealed to wealthy Nigerians and sports enthusiasts to support the players and encourage more young people to participate in sports.
Akpabio said the N100m donation from the National Assembly was intended to recognise the team’s achievement and motivate the players to continue bringing honour to the country.
He congratulated the Flamingos, the Senate Committee on Sports and Nigerians on the historic victory.
