Get Guardian on GoogleThe House of Representatives has pledged N100 million to Nigeria’s Flamingos following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The lawmakers also urged the Federal Ministry of Sports to provide scholarships and sustained support for the players to secure their future beyond football.
The House further resolved to invite the players, head coach, and technical crew to the National Assembly for formal recognition during a plenary session.
The resolutions followed the unanimous adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Mark Esset on Thursday, celebrating the team’s historic achievement.
Leading the debate, Esset praised the Flamingos for defeating Japan 2-1 in the final played in Rabat, Morocco, on November 7, 2026.
The victory made Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
He recalled that the team recovered impressively from an opening-match defeat against Poland to win six consecutive matches and claim the trophy.
Esset highlighted the contributions of Awawu Bashiru, who opened the scoring in the 39th minute, and Oluebube Umejiaku, who extended Nigeria’s lead two minutes into the second half.
Although Japan pulled a goal back, the Nigerian side held on to secure the historic victory.
The lawmaker described the triumph as a landmark achievement for African football, noting that it marked the continent’s first FIFA world title in women’s football at any level.
He also praised Umejiaku for her outstanding tournament performance. The forward scored four goals and won the Golden Ball award as the competition’s best player.
Esset acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s announced rewards for the players and technical crew, including savings certificates worth N100 million for each player.
He also recalled the Senate’s separate N100 million pledge to the team.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Blessing Onuh, Hon. Abubakar Makki and Hon. Ifeanyi Uzokwe joined other lawmakers in commending the players and their coaches.
They urged the government to translate the victory into concrete opportunities for female athletes across the country.
The lawmakers said the Flamingos had demonstrated what Nigerian girls could achieve when they receive the necessary encouragement and opportunities.
They called for better access to safe sporting facilities, qualified coaches and regular competitions in schools and communities, particularly in underserved areas.
They also advocated a structured talent development system that would identify promising players early and guide them through school competitions, football academies, domestic leagues and national teams.
The lawmakers stressed that young athletes should not sacrifice their education for sporting careers, urging the government to establish support systems that would allow them to pursue both.
Consequently, the House resolved to contribute N100 million to support the Flamingos and their technical crew. Each lawmaker is expected to contribute N100,000 towards the collective pledge.
The lawmakers also formally congratulated the players, head coach and technical crew for bringing honour to Nigeria through their performance.
They further agreed to host the team at the National Assembly for recognition during plenary, with the date to be agreed upon in consultation with the Nigeria Football Federation.
Speaker of the House, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, who presided over the session, subsequently referred the motion to the House Committee on Sports for further legislative action.
