Get Guardian on Google…As players, officials arrive Abuja
Nigeria’s Flamingos returned home after their historic World Cup victory on Saturday.
The Flamingos returned with the trophy but no cash prize for their historic achievement.
FIFA considers the tournament developmental, so instead of rewarding winners and winners of individual awards with cash prizes, the world football organising body only covers travel expenses and accommodation of the teams.
However, the football federation, government and other corporate bodies or individuals often step in to reward the champions with cash gifts and other remuneration.
The team had earlier received a donation of $50,000 from Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, a sponsor of the National Sports Commission, following their triumph over Japan on Saturday.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 to win the FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup for the first time.
The team arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Monday morning and were greeted by members of Nigeria’s football federation, the supporters club and well-wishers.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu had sent congratulatory messages to the team after the historic win.
President Tinubu said:
“What wonderful news to return home to! Our young girls have conquered the world and given Nigerians everywhere another reason to celebrate our great country.
“To our gallant Flamingos, I say congratulations. You have shown courage, discipline, determination, and the Nigerian spirit of never giving up.
“I followed your journey throughout this tournament, and after your semi-final victory, you promised to bring the trophy home. Today, you have kept that promise. You believed in yourselves, fought for one another and carried our nation’s flag to the very top of the world.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also extended his wishes to the team, saying the country is proud of their achievement.
Nigeria started the tournament on a shaky note, losing to Poland in their first match.
However, coach Hakeem Busari led the team to wins in the remaining matches, including victories over Puerto Rico and former defending champions North Korea.
The Flamingos went on to beat Mexico in the second round before edging Venezuela in the quarterfinals.
Nigeria put out arguably their best performance of the tournament, beating Brazil 3-1 in the semis.
Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku got on the score sheet as Nigeria beat Japan to become the first African team to win the FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup.
The Flamingos’ victory comes at a time when the Super Falcons missed out on the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and also finished out of the top four at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.
Beyond the win, the Nigeria Football Federation is tasked with ensuring further development of the team and its coaching crew as they progress to the Falconets and eventually the Super Falcons.
The long-term goal should not just be continuing the heritage of the Super Falcons on the continent but making a meaningful impact at the world stage, which has eluded the 10-time record African champions for years.
