President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s victorious U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, received the players and their officials on the President’s behalf during a special reception at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja on Wednesday, November 11.
The reception celebrated the team’s achievement as the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, following their 2–1 victory over Japan in the final played in Rabat on Saturday, November 7.
The First Lady welcomed the players alongside Nana Shettima, wife of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and other government officials. She also presented bouquets of flowers to the young champions in recognition of their achievement.
The event provided an opportunity for the Federal Government to celebrate the players, coaching crew and administrators whose efforts brought the trophy to Nigeria.
Flamingos Make African Football History
The Flamingos secured their maiden FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title after defeating Japan in a closely contested final.
Nigeria took the lead in the 39th minute through Awawu Bashiru, who converted an opportunity to put the team ahead. Shortly after the restart, Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage, giving the Flamingos a two-goal cushion.
Japan responded with a late goal through Fuki Ito, but the Nigerian team maintained its composure to protect the lead and secure a 2–1 victory.
The result marked a historic breakthrough for African women’s football, as Nigeria became the first African team to lift the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.
The achievement also strengthened Nigeria’s reputation in youth football, adding a women’s world title to the country’s history of success in the FIFA U-17 men’s competition.
Tinubu Announces ₦100 Million Reward for Each Player
Beyond the reception, President Tinubu approved substantial financial rewards for the players and members of the team’s technical crew.
Speaking on behalf of the President, the First Lady announced a ₦100 million savings certificate for each player. The arrangement is designed to preserve the funds for the teenage footballers rather than place the entire amount immediately at their disposal.
Head coach Hakeem Busari is to receive ₦100 million in cash, while each member of the technical crew will receive ₦50 million.
The reward recognises the collective effort behind the team’s success, including the contributions of coaches, medical personnel and other support staff.
The First Lady explained that the savings arrangement would help protect the players’ financial interests because of their young age. She also encouraged them to remain focused on their education, personal development and football careers despite the attention and recognition that have followed their victory.
First Lady Praises Teamwork and Determination
During the reception, Senator Tinubu congratulated the Flamingos for demonstrating resilience, discipline and commitment throughout the tournament.
She highlighted the team’s ability to recover from an opening-match setback and build momentum as the competition progressed.
Nigeria lost its first match 2–1 to Poland but responded with a series of victories that carried the team through the subsequent stages. The Flamingos defeated their opponents in the group stage, overcame Brazil in the semi-final and eventually beat Japan to claim the championship.
The First Lady particularly recognised Bashiru and Umejiaku for scoring the goals that secured the final victory. However, she also emphasised that the achievement reflected the combined efforts of the entire squad and its support structure.
She commended the coaching team, medical personnel, football administrators, parents and guardians for supporting the players throughout their development and the competition.
She further urged the young champions to remain humble and disciplined, noting that their achievement had inspired millions of Nigerian girls who aspire to compete at the highest levels of sport.
A Landmark for Nigerian Women’s Football
The Flamingos’ triumph represents an important moment for Nigeria’s football development, particularly in the women’s game.
For years, Nigeria has maintained a strong presence in international women’s football through the senior Super Falcons and its various youth teams. However, winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup marks a new achievement in the country’s record at the global level.
The victory also demonstrates the importance of investing in grassroots football, talent identification, coaching and competitive opportunities for young athletes.
As the players return to their respective development pathways, sustaining their progress will require continued support from football authorities, government institutions, clubs and other stakeholders.
The National Sports Commission and Nigeria Football Federation have important roles to play in ensuring that the team’s success contributes to broader improvements in youth football development.
Government Reaffirms Support for Grassroots Sports
President Tinubu had earlier congratulated the Flamingos following their victory, describing the achievement as a proud moment for Nigeria and a landmark for African women’s football.
In his message, issued through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the players for their courage, discipline and determination.
He also commended the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the team’s success.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover and develop their talents.
The presidential reception and financial rewards represent recognition of the team’s achievement. However, sustaining the impact will depend on continued investment in youth development, facilities, coaching and structured sporting opportunities.
Flamingos’ Victory Inspires a New Generation
The reception in Abuja goes beyond celebrating a football trophy. It recognises a group of young Nigerians who have achieved a historic milestone and placed the country at the centre of global youth women’s football.
By defeating Japan, the Flamingos have opened a new chapter for African participation in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and provided an example for aspiring female footballers across the continent.
Their achievement also reinforces the value of discipline, teamwork and sustained preparation in competitive sport.
As Nigeria celebrates the champions, the next priority will be to build on their success and create opportunities for more young girls to develop their abilities, compete internationally and contribute to the future of Nigerian football.
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