The Nigerian Senate has pledged ₦100 million to the Flamingos following their historic victory at the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the reward during plenary on Tuesday, November 10, after lawmakers considered a motion sponsored by Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports.
The Senate celebrated the team’s achievement as a milestone for Nigerian and African football, while Senator Adams Oshiomhole called for support to secure the players’ educational and sporting futures.
Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to provide additional incentives and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to sustain the team’s development ahead of future competitions.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2–1 in the final on Saturday, November 7, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, becoming the first African team to win the tournament.
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Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 47th minute. Japan’s Fuki Ito pulled one back in the 80th minute, but Nigeria held on to claim the title.
The victory completed a remarkable turnaround after Nigeria lost its opening match 2–1 to Poland. The team responded with six consecutive wins, beating Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea in the group stage before overcoming Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil, whom they defeated 3–1 in the semi-finals.
The triumph surpassed Nigeria’s previous best performance, a third-place finish in 2022, when the Flamingos beat Germany on penalties after a 3–3 draw.
Earlier in 2026, the team also won the WAFU-B Under-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire, recording five victories, scoring 17 goals and conceding twice.
The latest Senate pledge comes amid previous concerns over the team’s welfare. Following their 2022 World Cup campaign, the players experienced delays in receiving allowances and bonuses, prompting the NFF to make a part-payment of outstanding entitlements in February 2023.
Lawmakers urged sustained investment in grassroots football, improved players’ welfare and stronger development programmes to build on the Flamingos’ historic achievement.