The Nigerian Senate has pledged N100 million to the victorious Flamingos Under-17 women’s football team and called on the Federal Government to provide additional rewards in recognition of their achievement.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the pledge during plenary following a motion sponsored by Senator Abdul Ningi, who called for adequate recognition and compensation for the players.
Ningi praised the team’s performance, noting that the players had been assembled barely six months before the competition. He said their achievement had brought honour to Nigeria and Africa but criticised what he described as inadequate publicity and official recognition.
The senator also expressed disappointment over the absence of senior government officials when the team arrived in Nigeria, arguing that their reception did not reflect the significance of their accomplishment.
Senator Ned Nwoko, who supported the motion, described the players as national heroes and praised their performances against established football nations, including Brazil and the United States.
Nwoko urged President Bola Tinubu to grant the team national recognition and called on state governors to celebrate players from their respective states.
Another senator highlighted the Flamingos’ victory over Japan, describing it as evidence of the ability of Nigerian youths to compete at the highest international level.
Beyond the financial pledge, the Senate urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep the players together to preserve their understanding and prepare them for future international competitions.
Akpabio warned against allowing the team to disintegrate, stressing the importance of sustained development to help the players progress into a formidable senior national side. He also appealed to wealthy Nigerians and business leaders to provide additional incentives.
The lawmakers commended Tinubu and the National Sports Commission, particularly its chairman, Shehu Dikko, for their contributions to sports development.
The Senate subsequently congratulated the Flamingos, the Federal Government, the NFF and Nigerians on the team’s achievement. Akpabio directed the clerk of the Senate to document the resolutions and contributions made during the debate.
The team has also attracted private financial support. Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu donated $50,000 shortly after Nigeria’s victory, presenting the contribution during a reception organised by the National Sports Commission in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday night.
The Senate’s pledge and appeal for further rewards add to the recognition the players have received following their historic triumph.
