Tinubu Awards Flamingos Players N100m Each After Historic World Cup Triumph

Posted : 12 November 2026

President Bola Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s victorious U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, with N100 million each following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The reward package was announced on Wednesday, November 11, by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu during a special presidential reception held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. She represented the President at the ceremony, where the players and their officials presented their trophy and medals.

Under the arrangement, each player will receive a N100 million Federal Government Savings Bond. The funds will be preserved for their future because most members of the squad are still teenagers.

Head coach Akeem Busari will receive N100 million in cash, while each member of the technical crew will receive N50 million for their contributions to the team's historic achievement.

Explaining the decision to invest the players' rewards rather than hand them immediate cash payments, the First Lady said the arrangement was designed to protect their financial interests.

"Do you know what a savings certificate is? It is money, but it is in trust for you. You are still very young. Do you want to start handling N100 million now?" she told the players.

Mrs Tinubu described the team's achievement as a landmark moment for Nigerian and African football. She noted that the Flamingos had become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

Nigeria secured the historic title after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday's final in Rabat, Morocco, on November 7. Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku secured the victory and ended the country's wait for its first women's FIFA World Cup trophy.

The triumph also made the Flamingos the first African women's national team to win a FIFA World Cup competition at any level.

The First Lady praised the players for their resilience after losing their opening match against Poland. They recovered from that setback to record six consecutive victories and lift the trophy.

She also commended their conduct during the tournament, particularly their humility, respect for officials and expression of gratitude after the final.

Mrs Tinubu urged the young champions to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their education despite the recognition and financial rewards. She added that their success had inspired millions of young girls and demonstrated what Nigerian talent could achieve on the international stage.

The First Lady also acknowledged the contributions of the National Sports Commission chairman, Shehu Dikko, its Director-General, Bukola Olopade, the Nigeria Football Federation, the coaching staff, medical personnel and the players' families.

Meanwhile, the presidential reward comes a day after Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced a separate N100 million reward for the team.

The Senate's gesture followed calls for greater recognition and investment in the development of the young champions.

Tinubu's announcement adds another significant financial reward to the Flamingos' historic campaign and recognises the contributions of the players and their technical team to Nigeria's success in Morocco.

Tinubu Awards Flamingos Players N100m Each After Historic World Cup Triumph

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