The Senate has announced a ₦100 million reward for the players and officials of Nigeria’s Flamingos following their triumph at the U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the donation during Tuesday’s plenary session while presiding over a motion sponsored by Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi Central.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 on Saturday to become the first African team to win the women’s U-17 World Cup. The victory also secured Nigeria’s first-ever global title in women’s football.
Oluebube Umejiaku was named Player of the Tournament after an impressive campaign in which the 16-year-old earned several Player of the Match awards and scored four goals, including the winner against Japan.
The team returned to Nigeria with the trophy on Monday.
During Tuesday’s plenary, Adam Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North, appealed to the Senate leadership to provide financial support for the players’ education alongside their sporting careers.
Akpabio supported the request and said the lawmakers’ ₦100 million donation was intended to celebrate the team’s achievement and motivate the players to continue bringing honour to Nigeria.
The Senate President also urged the Federal Government to provide an appropriate reward for the players, insisting that they deserved the same level of financial recognition given to Nigeria’s last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)-winning team.
He further called on wealthy and sports-loving Nigerians to support the young players and inspire more young people to participate in sports.