Tinubu Rewards Flamingos with N100m Each After Historic World Cup Glory

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a landmark reward of N100 million for every player in Nigeria’s victorious Flamingos squad following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The young champions defeated Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat last Saturday to become the first African team to lift the U-17 women’s title and the first African women’s side to win a FIFA World Cup at any level. Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku sealed the victory, with Japan’s Fuki Ito scoring a late consolation.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, announced the presidential package on Wednesday when she received the players and technical officials at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on behalf of the President. She described the victory as a source of immense national pride and said the rewards fulfilled Tinubu’s commitment to recognising athletes who bring honour to the country.

Each of the approximately 21 players will receive a N100 million savings certificate or Federal Government bond, to be held in trust in designated banks (including GTBank) rather than disbursed as immediate cash. The First Lady explained that the arrangement protects the teenage players, many of whom are still minors, from the pressures of handling such large sums at a young age. The funds are intended to support their education, continued football development and long-term financial security. National Sports Commission officials have indicated the bonds will run for about five years and attract interest in the region of 12–14 per cent.

Head coach Akeem (Hakeem) Busari will receive N100 million in cash, while each member of the technical crew has been awarded N50 million.

ADVERTISEMENT

“For all our players, Mr President is awarding you a savings certificate of N100 million each,” the First Lady told the squad. “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.”

She urged the champions to remain humble, disciplined and focused as they build on their achievement. The Flamingos had recovered from an opening group-stage defeat to Poland to win their remaining matches and claim the trophy, completing a remarkable campaign that also made Nigeria the first nation to win both the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cups.

The presidential rewards come shortly after the Senate also donated N100 million to the team.

The gesture underscores the Federal Government’s recognition of the Flamingos’ breakthrough for Nigerian and African women’s football.