President Bola Tinubu has announced a cash reward of N100 million for each member of Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Politics Nigeria reports that the reward was announced on Wednesday when the victorious players and their coaching officials visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who announced the reward on behalf of the president, said the country was proud of the young champions.

She disclosed that the money would be kept in trust for the players in designated banks.

The team’s head coach will also receive N100 million, while each member of the technical crew will get N50 million.

Politics Nigeria reports that the presidential reward comes a day after the Senate announced a donation of N100 million to the team in recognition of its historic achievement.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the donation during plenary on Tuesday while presiding over a motion moved by Senator Abdul Ningi (ADC, Bauchi Central), seeking recognition for the victorious players.

Ningi described the triumph as historic, noting that the young Nigerians had achieved what several other national teams had struggled to accomplish.

He expressed concern that the team’s achievement had not received adequate publicity and national recognition, particularly following their return to the country.

Seconding the motion, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) commended the players for defeating Japan in the final, describing their victory as a demonstration of the potential and determination of Nigerian youths.

He urged the Senate leadership to support the players financially to cater for their educational needs alongside their sporting careers.

The Senate subsequently adopted the motion, congratulating the team, President Tinubu and the National Sports Commission, particularly its chairman, Shehu Dikko.

Akpabio urged the Federal Government to adequately reward the players and called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to sustain the team and develop the young talents for future competitions.

He also appealed to wealthy Nigerians and sports enthusiasts to support the players.

Meanwhile, Tinubu had earlier congratulated the Flamingos on becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

In a statement issued on November 7 by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president described the victory as a landmark achievement for African women’s football and a proud moment for Nigeria.

Tinubu said he received the news of the team’s triumph upon returning from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.

“What wonderful news to return home to! Our young girls have conquered the world and given Nigerians everywhere another reason to celebrate our great country,” he said.

The president commended the players for their courage, discipline and determination, noting that they had fulfilled their promise to bring the trophy home after their semi-final victory.

He said their achievement would inspire millions of young Nigerian girls to pursue their ambitions and reach the highest levels in sports.

Tinubu also singled out Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured the 2-1 victory over Japan, while commending the entire squad for their teamwork.

He further acknowledged the contributions of the coaching crew, the NFF and the National Sports Commission to the team’s success.

The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover and develop their talents.