The Nigerian Senate has moved to honour the Flamingos, the country’s Under-17 women’s national football team, with a ₦100 million donation following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco. The announcement was made during plenary on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over deliberations on a motion brought forward by Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central.
The motion centred on the need to formally congratulate the young players for an achievement that has resonated across the continent. Ningi described the victory as historic, noting that the Flamingos had accomplished what several other Nigerian national teams had struggled to achieve on the global stage. He observed that the team’s success was especially remarkable given the modest expectations that surrounded the players before the tournament began.
Lawmakers Seek Greater Recognition for the Flamingos
Beyond the financial gesture, Ningi raised concerns about the level of public and official recognition accorded to the team. He argued that the players deserved to be celebrated for bringing honour to Nigeria and Africa, and he expressed dissatisfaction that the achievement had not received adequate publicity. He also noted that the team did not receive sufficient official recognition upon its return to the country.
Seconding the motion, Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North commended the Flamingos for defeating Japan in the final, describing the result as proof of the potential and determination of Nigerian youths. He urged Nigerians to appreciate the country’s achievements rather than focusing constantly on its challenges. Oshiomhole also appealed to the Senate leadership to make a donation that would support the players’ educational needs alongside their sporting careers.
Senate Adopts Resolutions on Rewards and Development
Following deliberations, the Senate adopted the prayers in Ningi’s motion. Lawmakers congratulated President Bola Tinubu for his support of sports development, commended Nigerians on the historic victory, and praised the leadership of the National Sports Commission, particularly its Chairman, Shehu Dikko. The Senate further urged the federal government to provide adequate compensation and rewards for the players in recognition of their achievement.
In his remarks, Akpabio described the victory as a significant milestone for Nigeria and Africa, particularly because the Flamingos defeated football powerhouses including Brazil and Japan. He called on the federal government to reward the players appropriately and urged the Nigeria Football Federation to sustain the team and continue developing the players for future competitions.
The Senate President also appealed to wealthy and sports-loving Nigerians to support the players and encourage other young people to take up sports. He explained that the ₦100 million donation by the National Assembly was intended to recognise the players’ achievement and motivate them to keep bringing honour to the country.
“I want to commend the Flamingos, the Under-17 youth team of Nigeria, for defeating major countries such as Brazil and Japan to win the Under-17 World Cup for Africa for the first time and for Nigeria. We also urged, and we pray that the federal government will recognise these children accordingly and give them adequate rewards. The Nigerian Football Federation, under its leadership, should see the need to keep these children together and develop them further.”
The Senate President concluded by congratulating the players, the Senate Committee on Sports and all Nigerians on the historic victory.
