U17 World Champions: FG Hosts Flamingos, Unveils N100m Rewards

In a moment of pure national pride, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, welcomed the triumphant Flamingos to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.

The U-17 women’s national team had just etched their names into history by becoming the first African side to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, defeating Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat, Morocco.

The reception, held on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, celebrated more than a trophy. It honoured a remarkable turnaround. The Flamingos opened the tournament with a loss to Poland, then stormed back with six straight victories, overcoming strong sides including defending champions North Korea, Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil before sealing the title with goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku.

Standing before the beaming young champions and their technical crew, the First Lady captured the nation’s mood. “Their collective effort has brought honor and pride to the nation,” she declared. She presented bouquets and, more significantly, announced the presidential rewards that will secure the players’ futures.

Each Flamingos player receives a N100 million Federal Government savings certificate, held in trust and invested in five-year bonds.

The arrangement protects the teenagers while generating returns to support their education and careers.

Head coach Akeem Busari was awarded N100 million in cash, while every member of the technical crew receives N50 million.

The package underscores the administration’s commitment to rewarding excellence in sports, especially for young female athletes who lift Nigeria’s flag high.

Among the heroes was Awawu Bashiru, whose goal in the final helped deliver the historic win.

Speaking with quiet emotion, she reflected on the journey and personal meaning behind her performances.

“I am happy I scored a goal. I dedicate all the goals I scored at the World Cup to my dad who I lost in March. There were a lot of people who wished to be in our position today, so I’m grateful for this achievement. My dream is to progress through the U20s, the Super Falcons, play abroad and make my family proud.”

Her words resonated deeply in the room. For a teenager who channeled personal loss into national triumph, the moment represented both closure and a new beginning.

Teammate Queen Joseph radiated the same quiet confidence that carried the side through tough matches.

Looking ahead to the path from youth success to senior glory, she said: “I have the belief, a hundred percent that everything the Senior team has achieved and yet to, we can do it.”

The Flamingos’ success carries layers of meaning. Nigeria is now the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in both the men’s and women’s categories. The team’s resilience—recovering from an opening defeat to lift the trophy—mirrors the never-say-die spirit often associated with Nigerian sport.

Their victory also elevates African women’s football on the global stage and inspires a new generation of girls who see that the highest stage is within reach.

At the Villa, the atmosphere mixed formality with genuine warmth. Officials, including Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, joined the First Lady in celebrating the players.

Bouquets were presented, photographs taken, and the trophy—symbol of a hard-fought continental first—held high once more on Nigerian soil.

For the young women in grey tracksuits and medals, the day marked both recognition and responsibility. The financial rewards provide security.

The public acclaim brings pressure. Yet their words and body language suggested they are ready. They spoke of gratitude, of dreams still unfolding, and of a belief that this is only the beginning.

As the Flamingos left the Presidential Villa, they carried more than medals and certificates. They carried the weight of history and the hopes of a football-mad nation that has fallen in love with its newest champions.

From the dusty pitches where many of them started to the glittering stage in Morocco and now the seat of power in Abuja, the Flamingos have flown high. Nigeria is watching—and cheering—every step of the way.

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