The Nigerian Senate has announced a donation of N100 million to the Flamingos, Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national football team, following their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the donation during plenary on Tuesday while presiding over a motion congratulating the team on their achievement.
The motion was moved by Senator Abdul Ningi (ADC, Bauchi Central), who described the Flamingos’ victory as historic, noting that the young players had achieved what several Nigerian national teams had struggled to accomplish.
Ningi said the victory was particularly remarkable given the low expectations surrounding the team before the competition.
He also expressed concern that the players had not received enough publicity and national recognition, adding that they deserved to be celebrated for bringing honour to Nigeria and Africa.
Seconding the motion, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) praised the Flamingos for defeating Japan in the final, describing their victory as proof of the talent and determination of Nigerian youths.
Oshiomhole urged Nigerians to celebrate the country’s achievements and called on the Senate leadership to support the players financially, particularly with their educational needs.
The Senate adopted the motion, congratulating President Bola Tinubu, Nigerians and the National Sports Commission, particularly its Chairman, Shehu Dikko, on the historic achievement.
It also urged the Federal Government to provide adequate rewards for the players in recognition of their efforts.
Speaking further, Akpabio described the victory as a major achievement for Nigeria and Africa, noting that the Flamingos defeated strong football nations, including Brazil and Japan, on their way to the title.
He called on the Federal Government to reward the players appropriately and urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep the team together and continue developing the young talents for future competitions.
The Senate President also appealed to wealthy Nigerians and sports lovers to support the players and encourage more young people to participate in sports.
Akpabio said the N100 million donation by the National Assembly was aimed at recognising the players’ achievement and encouraging them to continue making the country proud.
He congratulated the Flamingos, the Senate Committee on Sports and Nigerians on the historic victory.
