Get Guardian on Google• Coach gets N100m cash, technical crew members N50m each
• President directs that players’ rewards be invested in savings certificates
• First Lady urges young champions to remain humble, disciplined, focused
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, rewarded players of the victorious U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, with N100 million each following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President also approved a N100 million cash reward for the team’s head coach, Akeem Busari, while members of the technical crew will receive N50 million each in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s historic achievement.
President Tinubu announced the rewards through the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who represented him at a special presidential reception for the world champions at the State House, Abuja.
The President directed that each player’s N100 million reward be invested in a savings certificate to safeguard the funds for their future, given their young age.
Announcing the package to the visibly excited players, Mrs Tinubu said the rewards were in fulfilment of the President’s commitment to recognising Nigerian athletes who distinguish themselves on the international stage.
“Before I conclude, let me recall Mr President’s promise to every Nigerian athlete: Make Nigeria proud and come back to a grateful nation.
“In fulfilment of this promise, it is my pleasure, on behalf of the President, to announce the following rewards for the players, technical crew and administrators of the Flamingos, whose collective efforts have brought honour and pride to our nation by winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
“For all our players, Mr President is awarding you a savings certificate of N100 million each. Each of you is getting N100 million,” she said.
Explaining the arrangement, the First Lady said the money would be preserved in trust for the teenage footballers rather than handed to them for immediate spending.
“Do you know what a savings certificate is? It is money, but it is in trust for you. You are still very young. Do you want to start handling N100 million now?
“For the coach, a reward of N100 million cash, and then for the technical crew, N50 million each. That’s what Mr President said I should tell you,” she added.
Mrs Tinubu expressed optimism that the presidential rewards would mark the beginning of wider recognition for the team, particularly from their respective state governments.
“I believe that this is just the beginning of the celebration,” she said.
Earlier, the First Lady described the Flamingos’ victory as a defining moment in the history of Nigerian and African football, saying the achievement had demonstrated the immense potential of Nigerian youths when given the opportunity and support to excel.
Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco, to become the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The triumph also made the Flamingos the first African women’s national team to win a FIFA World Cup title at any level.
“Today, we celebrate a remarkable moment in the history of Nigeria and African sports. By emerging victorious in the final of the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Saturday, you have made Nigeria the first African nation to win this prestigious title.
“You have also become the first African women’s team to win a FIFA World Cup at any level. This is a truly remarkable and historic achievement, and the entire nation is proud of you,” she said.
Recalling the team’s remarkable campaign, Mrs Tinubu praised the players for recovering from an opening defeat to Poland to secure six consecutive victories and eventually lift the trophy.
She attributed their success to perseverance, determination, discipline and collective commitment, particularly their ability to overcome early setbacks and maintain their winning momentum.
“We all erupted in celebration as Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scored the goals that secured this historic victory,” she said.
Beyond their sporting achievement, the First Lady commended the players for displaying humility, respect and cultural pride during their celebrations in Morocco.
She said she was particularly impressed by their respectful interaction with FIFA officials and their decision to express gratitude through prayers and worship after winning the championship.
“I watched you. I saw the way you greeted the FIFA officials, the African way. Don’t lose that. We are Africans, and don’t ever lose that.
“Always remember that you are proud Africans at any level. What you have done has shown the world that you are the best. But tell them that being respectful is part of our culture,” she said.
The wife of the President, however, cautioned the young champions against allowing international recognition, fame and financial rewards to distract them from their education, personal development and professional ambitions.
She particularly urged them to remain humble, disciplined and focused, stressing that their achievement had elevated Nigerian football and inspired millions of young girls across the continent.
“I urge you to remain humble, disciplined and focused, and always remember that Nigeria believes in you.
“You have elevated Nigerian football, inspired millions of young girls and opened a new chapter for women’s football in Africa, showing every Nigerian child that their dreams are valid and achievable, even on the biggest stages in the world,” she added.
The First Lady also commended Coach Busari, members of the technical crew, medical personnel and football administrators for their dedication and sacrifices in preparing the team for the global competition.
She acknowledged the contributions of the chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko; its Director-General,
Bukola Olopade; and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to the development of the game in the country.
Mrs Tinubu equally recognised the support of the players’ parents and guardians, as well as millions of Nigerian football enthusiasts whose encouragement contributed to the team’s success.
“Our young champions stand as a shining testament to our belief that our youth are our greatest asset and a source of national pride.
“On behalf of Mr President and the good people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I congratulate you once again. You have made our nation proud, and we celebrate every one of you,” she said.
On a lighter note, the First Lady reassured the players, who had apparently expected to meet the President personally, that she was receiving them with his full authority.
Drawing laughter from the gathering, she told the youngsters: “If you have seen me, you have seen Mr President. Is that good enough?”
She explained that the reception was being held at the Presidential Banquet Hall because she was representing the President, underscoring the importance the administration attached to their achievement.
She further urged the players to remain prayerful and never forget the values that sustained them throughout the competition.
“As a mother, always remember to pray. Don’t forget the humbling moment you stood together and started worshipping that night. Don’t ever forget that. Wherever we are, God brought us there,” she said.
The presidential reward also comes amid growing recognition of the team’s achievement, following the Senate’s announcement, on Tuesday, of a separate N100 million reward for the victorious players.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, while announcing the National Assembly’s gesture, called for greater recognition and sustained investment in the development of the young footballers.
