Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has announced a ₦100 million reward for each player of the national U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, following their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Mrs Tinubu announced the rewards on Wednesday, November 11, when the players and their coaching staff visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Flamingos made history on Saturday by defeating Japan 2-1 in the final of the tournament in Rabat, Morocco. Goals from Awau Bashiru and Olubebe Umejiaku secured the victory, while Fuki Ito scored Japan’s only goal.
The triumph marked Nigeria’s first title at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the first time an African team has won a senior or age-grade FIFA women’s world championship.
Speaking during the reception, Mrs Tinubu congratulated the players and officials, saying the country was proud of their achievement and contribution to Nigerian football.
She disclosed that each player’s ₦100 million reward would be held in trust in designated bank accounts for the young champions.
The First Lady also announced a ₦100 million reward for the team’s head coach, Akeem Busari, while members of the technical crew would receive ₦50 million each.
The announcement followed a separate ₦100 million donation to the team by the Nigerian Senate, which was announced on Tuesday in recognition of the players’ historic achievement.
