President Tinubu Rewards Flamingos With N100 Million Bonds Each

President Bola Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, with Federal Government Savings Bonds worth N100 million each following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

According to a report by The Punch on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the announcement was made by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who received the players and their officials on behalf of the President during a special reception at the State House in Abuja.

Under the reward package, each player received a savings bond valued at N100 million, while the team’s head coach was presented with a savings certificate of the same amount. Members of the technical crew also received N50 million each in cash.

The financial rewards followed the Flamingos’ historic achievement of becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, November 7, to claim the title for the first time. Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku netted the decisive goal in the 47th minute. Japan’s Fuki Ito pulled one back in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian side held on to secure victory.

Umejiaku was also named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after recording four goals and two assists, earning the adidas Golden Ball award.

Explaining why the government chose savings bonds instead of giving the young players direct cash rewards, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, said the decision was intended to protect their long-term financial interests.

He noted that most members of the squad were teenagers and that handing them large amounts of money immediately could affect their careers and personal development.

Dikko explained that the Federal Government Savings Bonds would run for five years, attracting annual interest rates of between 12 and 14 per cent. Under the arrangement, each player is expected to earn more than N1.1 million monthly in interest, providing financial support for their education and football training.

He added that the investment would mature when the players were older and better positioned to manage their finances responsibly.

The presidential reward came a day after the Senate announced a N100 million donation to the Flamingos in recognition of their achievement. Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed the donation during plenary on Tuesday.

The Flamingos began their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Poland but recovered impressively, winning their remaining six matches to emerge champions.

Their journey included victories over several opponents, including Korea DPR and Mexico, before they defeated Japan in the final.

President Tinubu congratulated the players for bringing honour to Nigeria and becoming the first African team to win the competition.

The achievement is particularly significant because FIFA does not provide prize money for the U-17 Women’s World Cup, making the financial support from the Federal Government an important boost to the young champions.

From losing their opening match to eventually lifting the trophy, the Flamingos have secured a historic place in Nigerian football and provided fresh encouragement for the development of women’s football in the country.

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