Tinubu Rewards Flamingos Players With ₦100m Each After World Cup Win

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

FCT, Abuja -November 11, 2026

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

The President also approved a ₦100 million cash reward for head coach Akeem Busari, while each member of the technical crew will receive ₦50 million in recognition of their contributions to the team’s historic achievement.

The rewards were announced on Wednesday by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who represented the President at a special reception organised for the victorious team at the State House, Abuja.

According to the First Lady, the ₦100 million awarded to each player would be issued as a savings certificate to ensure the funds are preserved for their future, considering their young age.

Explaining the decision, Mrs Tinubu said the arrangement was intended to safeguard the players’ financial interests rather than give them immediate access to such substantial sums.

“For all our players, Mr President is awarding you a savings certificate of ₦100 million each,” she announced, adding that the coach would receive ₦100 million in cash and members of the technical crew ₦50 million each.

The First Lady described the team’s achievement as a defining moment for Nigerian and African football, noting that the Flamingos had made history by becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco, with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku securing the country’s first FIFA women’s world title at any level.

Mrs Tinubu also recalled the team’s impressive recovery from an opening 2-1 defeat to Poland, highlighting its subsequent six consecutive victories over Puerto Rico, defending champions North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil and Japan.

She commended the players for their discipline, humility and conduct throughout the competition, urging them to remain focused and continue representing Nigeria and Africa with pride.

The First Lady further praised Coach Busari, the technical crew, medical personnel, the National Sports Commission Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, its Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, and the Nigeria Football Federation for their contributions to the historic success.

She expressed hope that the presidential recognition would encourage further rewards from state governments and other stakeholders.

The reception followed the team’s return to Abuja, where the players received a rousing welcome after their World Cup victory.

The Merit Newspaper reports that the Senate had also announced a separate ₦100 million reward for the Flamingos during Tuesday’s plenary, adding to the growing recognition of the team’s historic achievement.