The Senate has announced a N100 million reward for Nigeria's Under-17 women's national team, the Flamingos, after their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.
How did the Senate reward come about?
The reward followed a motion moved in Tuesday's plenary by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the victory as significant, not only for Nigeria but for Africa, noting that the Flamingos defeated football nations including Brazil and Japan on the way to the title.
He urged the Federal Government to adequately reward the players and their officials, asked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to sustain the team and keep developing the players, and appealed to wealthy, sports-loving Nigerians to support them.
The Whistler reports the pledge followed a call by Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North for the National Assembly to back the team financially.
What did the Flamingos achieve in Morocco?
The Flamingos lost their opening group match 2-1 to Poland, then won six matches in a row: they beat Puerto Rico, defeated defending champions DPR Korea 3-1, saw off Mexico and Venezuela, beat Brazil in the semi-finals and finally beat Japan in the final in Rabat.
Oluebube Umejiaku was named the best player of the tournament and took home the Adidas Golden Ball.
With the men's Golden Eaglets having won the U-17 World Cup five times, Nigeria has now become the first African country to win both the men's and women's editions of the tournament.
Will the players get more rewards?
Calls are already growing for the Flamingos to receive rewards matching what the Super Falcons got after their 2025 WAFCON triumph: 100,000 dollars each, a three-bedroom apartment in Abuja and the national honour of Officer of the Order of Nigeria (OON) for each player.
The Senate also asked the Federal Government to ensure adequate funding for sports development so future teams are not left chasing support after success.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Who moved the motion for the reward?
A: Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, who represents Bauchi Central.
Q: How much is the reward?
A: 100 million naira, announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on behalf of the National Assembly.
Q: Who was named best player of the tournament?
A: Oluebube Umejiaku, who won the Adidas Golden Ball.
Sources: Vanguard, Blueprint Newspapers, Channels Television, The Whistler
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