The Senate has announced a N100m donation to Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos. This is in recognition of their historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup held in Rabat, Morocco.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during the plenary session on Tuesday. He was presiding over a motion moved by Senator Abdul Ningi (ADC-Bauchi Central). Ningi wanted to congratulate the team on their achievement.
Ningi called the victory historic. He pointed out that the young players achieved something that many Nigerian national teams have struggled to do.
He noted that this win was especially impressive considering the low expectations for the team before the tournament.
The senator also mentioned that the team’s success did not get enough publicity or national recognition. He said the players deserve a celebration for bringing honor to Nigeria and Africa.
He expressed sadness that there was not enough official recognition for the team when they returned home.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo North) supported Ningi’s motion. He praised the Flamingos for beating Japan in the final. Oshiomhole said this win shows the potential and determination of Nigerian youths.
He urged Nigerians to celebrate the country’s achievements rather than only focus on its challenges. He also asked the Senate leadership to support the players' education while they pursue their sports careers.
The Senate agreed with Ningi’s motion. They congratulated President Bola Tinubu for supporting sports development. They also congratulated Nigerians on this historic win and acknowledged the leadership of the National Sports Commission, especially its chairman, Shehu Dikko.
They urged the Federal Government to reward the players for their achievement.
Akpabio called the victory a big milestone for Nigeria and Africa. He highlighted the Flamingos’ wins over strong football countries like Brazil and Japan.
He called on the Federal Government to reward the players properly. He also asked the Nigeria Football Federation to keep developing the team and its young players for future competitions.
The Senate President appealed to wealthy Nigerians who love sports to support the players and motivate more young people to engage in sports.
He stated that the N100m donation from the National Assembly aims to honor the team’s achievement and inspire the players to keep bringing pride to Nigeria.
“I want to commend the Flamingos, the U-17 youth team of Nigeria, for defeating major countries like Brazil and Japan to win the Under-17 World Cup for Africa and Nigeria for the first time.
“We also urged, and we pray that the Federal Government will recognize these children accordingly and give them adequate rewards.
“The Nigerian Football Federation should see the need to keep these children together and develop them further,” Akpabio said.
He congratulated the players, the Senate Committee on Sports, and Nigerians on this historic victory.
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