President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the Flamingos’ historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup as a milestone for Nigeria and African football, describing the achievement as a defining moment for Nigeria and African football.
The President gave the commendation on Wednesday during a special presidential reception held in honour of the young world champions at the State House, Abuja.
Represented by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the President directed that a ₦100 million reward be approved for each player and be issued in the form of savings certificates to safeguard their financial interests, considering their young age.
Unveiling the presidential rewards, Senator Tinubu said the gesture reflected President Tinubu’s commitment to celebrating sporting excellence and rewarding athletes whose outstanding performances have brought international recognition and distinction to Nigeria.
“Before I conclude, let me recall Mr President’s promise to every Nigerian athlete: Make Nigeria proud and come back to a grateful nation.
“In fulfilment of this promise, it is my pleasure, on behalf of the President, to announce the following rewards for the players, technical crew and administrators of the Flamingos, whose collective efforts have brought honour and pride to our nation by winning the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
“For all our players, Mr President is awarding you a savings certificate of N100 million each. Each of you is getting N100 million,” she said.
Explaining the arrangement to the teenage footballers, Mrs Tinubu said the money would be preserved for their future rather than placed immediately at their disposal.
“Do you know what a savings certificate is? It is money, but it is in trust for you. You are still very young. Do you want to start handling N100 million now?
“For the coach, a reward of N100 million cash, and then for the technical crew, N50 million each. That’s what Mr President said I should tell you,” she asked.
The First Lady expressed optimism that the presidential rewards would be the beginning of further recognition for the players, particularly from their respective state governments.
“I believe that this is just the beginning of the celebration,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu further commended Coach Busari, members of his technical team, medical personnel and football administrators for their dedication and sacrifices in preparing the team for the global competition.
She praised the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko; the Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade; and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for their contributions towards the development of Nigerian football.
The First Lady equally acknowledged the support of the players’ parents, guardians and millions of Nigerian football supporters, describing the victorious teenagers as living proof of the country’s reservoir of talent.
“Our young champions stand as a shining testament to our belief that our youth are our greatest asset and a source of national pride.
“On behalf of Mr President and the good people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I congratulate you once again. You have made our nation proud, and we celebrate every one of you,” she declared.
In addition, the President also announced a reward of N100 million for each player of Nigeria’s victorious Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Reflecting on the team’s remarkable performance, the First Lady highlighted the Flamingos’ victorious opening-match defeat to secure six consecutive victories, resulting in their historic triumph over Japan in the final.
She commended the players for their resilience and competitive spirit, attributing their success to sustained dedication, discipline, collective effort and an unwavering determination to succeed.
“Through perseverance, strong determination and teamwork, you won six consecutive matches and ultimately made history as world champions.
“We all erupted in celebration as Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scored the goals that secured this historic victory,” she said.
The Firstlady noted that their historic achievement had elevated Nigerian football, inspired millions of young girls and strengthened the belief that Nigerian children could realise their aspirations and compete successfully on the global stage.
“The First Lady urged the players not to allow their international fame and financial rewards to distract them from their personal development and professional ambitions.
“I urge you to remain humble, disciplined and focused, and always remember that Nigeria believes in you.
“You have elevated Nigerian football, inspired millions of young girls and opened a new chapter for women’s football in Africa, showing every Nigerian child that their dreams are valid and achievable, even on the biggest stages in the world,” she stated.
She explained that the reception was being held at the President’s banquet hall because she was representing him, emphasising the importance the Presidency attached to their achievement.
“Today, we celebrate a remarkable moment in the history of Nigeria and African sports. By emerging victorious in the final of the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Saturday, you have made Nigeria the first African nation to win this prestigious title.
“You have also become the first African women’s team to win a FIFA World Cup at any level. This is a truly remarkable and historic achievement, and the entire nation is proud of you,” she said.