President Bola Tinubu has approved 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, Akeem Busari, while members of the technical crew will receive ₦50 million each.
The rewards were announced on Wednesday, November 11, by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu during a reception organised for the team at the State House, Abuja, where she represented the President.
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She explained that the players' rewards would be issued as savings certificates and held in trust for them because of their young age.
The First Lady said the arrangement was intended to protect the players' financial future while allowing them to benefit from the money as they grow older.
She described the team's victory as a historic achievement for Nigeria and African football, noting that the Flamingos had become 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 Saturday, November 7, to secure the title.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku secured the victory after the team recovered from an opening defeat to Poland to win six consecutive matches on their way to the championship.
Oluremi commended the players for their determination, discipline and teamwork, urging them to remain humble and focused on their education and football careers despite the recognition and financial rewards.
She also praised head coach Akeem Busari, the technical crew, medical personnel, the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation for their contributions to the team's success.
The presidential reward comes a day after the Nigerian Senate announced a separate ₦100 million donation to the Flamingos in recognition of their achievement.
The team has also received a $50,000 donation from private sponsor Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu.
The historic victory marked Nigeria's first FIFA World Cup title in women's football and the first time an African nation had won the U-17 women's competition.
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