The Nigerian Senate has donated ₦100 million to the Flamingos following the country’s historic win at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the donation earlier today, November 10, during plenary after the Senate considered a motion moved by Senator Abdul Ningi (ADC, Bauchi Central), seeking national recognition for the team’s achievement.
Ningi described the win as historic, noting that the young players had accomplished what several other Nigerian national teams had struggled to achieve.
He, however, expressed concern over what he described as inadequate publicity and recognition for the players, particularly after their return to Nigeria.
Seconding the motion, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) praised the Flamingos for defeating Japan in the final, describing their World Cup win as evidence of the determination and potential of Nigerian youths.
Oshiomhole urged Nigerians to celebrate the country’s achievements rather than focus only on its challenges. He also appealed to the Senate leadership to provide financial support for the players to help them pursue their education alongside their football careers.
The Senate adopted Ningi’s prayers, congratulating President Bola Tinubu on his support for sports development, as well as the National Sports Commission and its Chairman, Shehu Dikko.
It also urged the Federal Government to provide appropriate rewards and compensation for the players in recognition of their achievement.
Speaking after the motion, Akpabio described the win as a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa, noting that the Flamingos defeated established football nations, including Brazil and Japan, on their way to winning the title.
“I want to commend the Flamingos, the Under-17 youth team of Nigeria, for defeating major countries such as Brazil and Japan to win the Under-17 World Cup for Africa for the first time and for Nigeria,” he said.
Akpabio called on the Federal Government to reward the players adequately and urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to retain the squad and continue developing their talents.
“We also urged, and we pray, that the federal government will recognise these children accordingly and give them adequate rewards,” he said.
“The Nigerian Football Federation, under its leadership, should see the need to keep these children together and develop them further.”
The Senate President also appealed to wealthy Nigerians and sports enthusiasts to support the young footballers and encourage more children to participate in sports.
He said the ₦100 million donation from the National Assembly was intended to recognise the team’s achievement and motivate the players to continue bringing honour to the country.
