Senate rewards Flamingos with N100m after historic world cup victory

The Nigerian Senate has announced a donation of ₦100 million to the country’s Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, in recognition of their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.

The Senate President made the announcement during plenary on Tuesday while presiding over a motion seeking to congratulate the young footballers for their remarkable achievement.

The motion was moved by Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Ningi described the team’s triumph as historic, pointing out that the young players had accomplished what several other Nigerian national teams had struggled to achieve.

The donation is aimed at recognising the players’ achievement and celebrating their contribution to Nigerian football.

He said the team’s triumph was particularly remarkable, given the limited expectations that surrounded the players before the competition.

The senator expressed concern that the achievement had not received adequate publicity and national recognition, adding that the players deserved to be celebrated for bringing honour to Nigeria and Africa.

He also expressed concern that the team did not receive sufficient official recognition upon its arrival in the country.

Seconding the motion, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo North) commended the team for defeating Japan in the final, describing the victory as evidence of the potential and determination of Nigerian youths.

Oshiomhole urged Nigerians to appreciate the country’s achievements rather than constantly focusing on its challenges.

He also appealed to the Senate leadership to make a donation to the team to support the players’ educational needs alongside their sporting careers.

The senate thereafter adopted Ningi’s prayers, congratulating President Bola Tinubu for his support for sports development, Nigerians on the historic victory, and the leadership of the National Sports Commission, particularly its Chairman, Shehu Dikko.

It also urged the federal government to provide adequate compensation and rewards for the players in recognition of their achievement.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, said the victory was a significant achievement for Nigeria and Africa, particularly as the Flamingos defeated football nations, including Brazil and Japan.

Akpabio urged the federal government to adequately reward the players and called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to sustain the team and continue developing the players for future competitions.

The senate president also appealed to wealthy and sports-loving Nigerians to support the players and encourage other young people to participate in sports.

He noted that the N100 million donation by the National Assembly was intended to recognise the players’ achievement and encourage them to continue bringing honour to the country.

“I want to commend the Flamingos, the Under-17 youth team of Nigeria, for defeating major countries such as Brazil and Japan to win the Under-17 World Cup for Africa for the first time and for Nigeria.

“We also urged, and we pray that the federal government will recognise these children accordingly and give them adequate rewards.

“The Nigerian Football Federation, under its leadership, should see the need to keep these children together and develop them further,” Akpabio said.

He congratulated the players, the Senate Committee on Sports and all Nigerians on the historic victory. (NAN)

Stay Connected

Follow Very Nigerian

Get the latest Nigerian news, trending stories and breaking updates directly on WhatsApp.

Join Our Channel →