President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s victorious Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, with ₦100 million for each player following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, November 11, by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who represented the President at a special reception organised in honour of the young champions at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The reward recognises the team’s outstanding performance in becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

However, the ₦100 million awarded to each player will not be handed over as immediate cash. Instead, the money will be invested in five-year Federal Government savings bonds to protect the financial interests of the young footballers, most of whom are still teenagers.

Coach and Technical Crew Also Rewarded

The President also approved substantial rewards for the team’s coaching and technical officials.

Head coach Hakeem Busari is to receive ₦100 million in cash, while each member of the technical crew will receive ₦50 million.

The First Lady explained that the gesture was intended to recognise the collective efforts of the players, coaches, medical personnel and administrators who contributed to the team’s success.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, further explained that the savings bond arrangement would allow the players to benefit from investment returns while preserving their principal until maturity.

According to him, the investment is expected to attract annual interest of approximately 12 to 14 per cent, providing financial support for the players’ education, training and personal development.

How the Flamingos Made History

The Flamingos secured their place in African football history on November 7, 2026, after defeating Japan 2–1 in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku secured the victory, giving Nigeria its first-ever title in the competition.

The achievement also made Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The team’s journey to the final demonstrated resilience and determination, particularly after losing their opening match against Poland.

They recovered from that setback, progressed through the knockout stages and defeated Brazil in the semi-final before overcoming Japan in the final.

First Lady Commends the Young Champions

During the presidential reception, Oluremi Tinubu congratulated the players for their determination, discipline and teamwork.

She described their achievement as a source of national pride and an inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls who aspire to succeed in sports and other fields.

She also encouraged the players not to allow their new fame and financial rewards to distract them from their education, personal development and professional ambitions.

The First Lady acknowledged the contributions of the National Sports Commission, Nigeria Football Federation, parents, guardians and supporters who stood behind the team throughout the competition.

What the Reward Means for the Players

The decision to place the players’ rewards in savings bonds is intended to provide long-term financial security for the young champions.

With the investment expected to run for five years, the players will benefit from interest payments while their principal remains invested until maturity.

The arrangement is also designed to ensure that the rewards contribute to their future beyond football.

The Flamingos’ achievement has opened another remarkable chapter in Nigerian women’s football and demonstrated the potential of young female athletes when given opportunities to compete internationally.

Their historic victory and the presidential recognition have also renewed conversations about investing in grassroots sports and providing better opportunities for emerging Nigerian talents.

For the young champions, the World Cup trophy is now accompanied by a significant financial reward and national recognition.

Utelnova will continue to follow developments in Nigerian sports and bring readers the latest updates.

Sources: Channels Television, TheCable and Voice of Nigeria, November 11, 2026.