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

The reward was announced by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who represented the President at a presidential reception organised in honour of the champions at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

The First Lady described the Flamingos’ achievement as a landmark moment in Nigerian and African sports, noting that Nigeria had made history as the first African country to win the prestigious competition.

She commended the young footballers for their determination, resilience and teamwork, which enabled them to win six consecutive matches and emerge as world champions.

According to her, the victory has not only elevated Nigeria’s position in international football but also inspired millions of young girls across the country and the African continent to pursue their sporting ambitions.

“Through perseverance, strong determination and teamwork, you won six consecutive matches and ultimately made history as world champions,” she said.

Oluremi Tinubu also acknowledged the contributions of parents, guardians and supporters whose encouragement helped nurture the young champions.

She said their achievement demonstrated that Nigerian youths remain the country’s greatest asset and a source of national pride.

The President, through the First Lady, specially recognised Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose decisive goals secured Nigeria’s victory in the final.

Umejiaku also received the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award, popularly known as the Golden Ball, in recognition of her outstanding performance throughout the competition.

The Federal Government said each player’s ₦100 million reward would be invested in five-year Federal Government Savings Bonds rather than paid directly into their accounts as immediately accessible cash.

The arrangement is intended to protect the financial interests of the young footballers, who are still minors, while securing their rewards for the future and preventing them from becoming overwhelmed by sudden access to substantial sums of money.

The First Lady urged the players not to allow the celebrations surrounding their historic achievement to distract them from their football careers.

She encouraged them to maintain the discipline, humility and commitment that brought them success on the international stage.

“I commend your humility even after this historic victory. It speaks volumes about your character. I urge you to remain humble, disciplined and focused, and always remember that Nigeria believes in you,” she stated.

She further noted that the Flamingos had opened a new chapter for women’s football in Africa, proving that young Nigerian girls could achieve greatness on the world’s biggest sporting stages.

Beyond the players, President Tinubu also commended the team’s head coach, Akeem Busari, alongside the technical crew, medical personnel, administrators and other officials who contributed to Nigeria’s historic campaign.

He acknowledged their dedication, sacrifices and commitment to developing young football talents and bringing international recognition to the country.

The presidential reception and financial rewards underscore the Federal Government’s recognition of the Flamingos’ achievement and the growing importance of women’s football in Nigeria’s sporting development.