The Nigerian Senate has pledged the sum of ₦100 million to the country’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, in recognition of their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, describing the achievement as a moment of immense national pride and a landmark in African football history.
The pledge followed a motion sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, during plenary on Tuesday.
In adopting the resolution, the Red Chamber commended the players and their technical crew for their outstanding performance, determination and resilience in overcoming formidable opponents to emerge world champions.
The Senate described the victory as a remarkable accomplishment that has brought honour and international recognition to Nigeria, making the country the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Upper Chamber particularly congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment and support for sports development, noting that sustained government investment and encouragement remain essential to nurturing young talents and strengthening Nigeria’s position in international sporting competitions.
The Senate also commended the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Nigerians at home and abroad for their contributions and support towards the team’s historic achievement.
It noted that the ₦100 million reward was intended to recognise the extraordinary efforts of the young footballers and their coaches, while encouraging them to remain committed to excellence and continue representing the country with distinction.
The lawmakers further called on well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to extend financial and institutional support to the team to sustain their development.
The Senate emphasised the need to preserve the team and provide the players with a structured development pathway, proper training and adequate support to enable them to progress to the senior national team, the Super Falcons.
The Flamingos sealed their historic triumph with a 2–1 victory over Japan in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco, thereby becoming the first African team to lift the prestigious trophy.
The Senate described the victory as a testament to the enormous potential of Nigerian youths and the capacity of the country to excel on the global stage when talent is properly nurtured and supported.
It urged relevant authorities to sustain the momentum by strengthening grassroots sports development, improving sporting infrastructure and creating more opportunities for young Nigerians to discover, develop and showcase their talents.
The Red Chamber maintained that the Flamingos’ triumph should serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Nigerian athletes and a renewed call for greater investment in sports as a vehicle for national unity, youth empowerment and international recognition.
EmemMaria Ntedodom Offiong, nipr.
Deputy Director (Head: Information, Press and Public Relations)
+2347082203400
emy.offiong@fmino.gov.ng
10th November, 2026.
