By Our Reporter
The Nigerian Senate has announced a donation of ₦100 million to the country’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, in recognition of their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the donation during plenary on Tuesday while presiding over a motion moved by Senator Abdul Ningi (ADC, Bauchi Central), seeking to congratulate the team on their outstanding achievement.
Ningi described the Flamingos’ victory as a landmark accomplishment, noting that the young players had achieved what several other Nigerian national teams had struggled to accomplish.
He said the triumph was particularly remarkable considering the limited expectations surrounding the team before the tournament.
The senator, however, expressed concern that the players had not received adequate publicity and national recognition despite bringing honour to Nigeria and Africa. He also lamented the insufficient official reception accorded the team 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 achievement as evidence of the enormous potential and determination of Nigerian youths.
Oshiomhole urged Nigerians to celebrate the country’s successes rather than concentrate exclusively on its challenges. He also appealed to the Senate leadership to provide financial support to the players to advance their education 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, particularly its chairman, Shehu Dikko, and Nigerians on the historic victory.
It also urged the Federal Government to provide appropriate rewards and compensation for the players in recognition of their achievement.
Akpabio described the victory as a significant milestone for Nigeria and Africa, particularly given the Flamingos’ impressive performances against established football nations, including Brazil and Japan.
He called on the Federal Government to adequately reward the players and urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to sustain the team and invest in developing the young talents for future international competitions.
The Senate President also appealed to wealthy Nigerians and sports enthusiasts to support the players and encourage greater youth participation in sports.
According to him, the ₦100 million donation from the National Assembly is intended to recognise the team’s achievement and motivate the young footballers to continue bringing honour to the country.
Akpabio congratulated the players, the Senate Committee on Sports and Nigerians on the historic accomplishment, describing the Flamingos as worthy ambassadors of the country.