Get Guardian on Google****Redeems N100m reward pledge to Flamingos at NASS reception
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has turned a National Assembly reception for Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team into a political prediction, saying the Flamingos’ World Cup victory was a sign that President Bola Tinubu would win re-election in 2027.
Akpabio made the remark on Wednesday as he presented the Senate’s ₦100 million reward to the team and its officials. The Senate had pledged the money after the Flamingos won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
“You brought this World Cup to us at this time, and we believe we have won the next election,” Akpabio said, adding that Tinubu would go on to claim “a bigger trophy” in 2027.
The political comment came as the players were being celebrated for their sporting achievement. The Flamingos recovered from an opening defeat, then won six consecutive matches to claim the title, according to Akpabio.
The Senate’s reward is separate from Tinubu’s earlier promise of ₦100 million for each player, which First Lady Oluremi Tinubu said would be placed in savings certificates held in trust because the players are under 17. The President also promised ₦100 million for the coach and ₦50 million each for members of the technical crew.
Alongside the celebrations, Akpabio urged sports authorities not to let the team disperse after the tournament. He called for regular training camps, experienced coaches, medical care and more competitive matches to prepare the players for future competitions and eventual progression to the senior national team.
He also urged the players to continue their education, saying their sporting careers should be supported by strong educational opportunities.
The reception celebrated a team whose comeback had captured national attention. Akpabio said their resilience and teamwork offered lessons for the country, while his election remarks drew a direct link between the Flamingos’ victory and the ruling party’s hopes for 2027.
