President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, awarded each player of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, a ₦100 million Federal Government Savings Bond to honor their landmark victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The presidential reception took place on Wednesday afternoon at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu represented the President at the event, which brought together top government officials, sports administrators, and football stakeholders.
The decision to structure the players’ rewards as five-year investment instruments was deliberately crafted to protect the young athletes. Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, explained that the five-year bonds earn an annual interest rate of 12% to 14%, generating approximately ₦1.1 million in monthly yields for each player.
”There is no need to flood them with money that can distort their career,” Dikko stated during his address. “These are young kids under 17. By the time those bonds mature, they are already adults and can make a clear decision on what to do with their own money. This ensures funds for their education and training while building a secure future.”
Delivering the President’s address, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu commended the squad for their discipline, resilience, and exemplary sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
”Beyond bringing home the trophy, the Flamingos have given millions of young Nigerian girls a reason to believe in their dreams, demonstrating that talent, hard work, and determination open doors on the biggest stages in world sport,” the First Lady noted.
The head coach, Busari Hakeem Ishola, was awarded a ₦100 million cash package, while each technical crew member received ₦50 million in cash.
The reception at the Villa followed an earlier hosting by the National Assembly on Wednesday, where Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced an additional ₦100 million donation from the Senate to the team.
The Flamingos created history on Saturday in Rabat, Morocco, by defeating Japan 2–1 in the final. The victory secured Africa’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy and Nigeria’s first global title in women’s football.
Sixteen-year-old midfielder Oluebube Umejiaku was named Player of the Tournament. The team arrived back in Abuja on Monday to a heroes’ welcome before receiving their official state honors.
