WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 – TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2026
SENATE DONATES ₦100 MILLION TO FLAMINGOS AFTER HISTORIC WORLD CUP TRIUMPH
The Nigerian Senate has donated ₦100 million to the Flamingos, Nigeria's Under-17 women's national football team, in recognition of their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the donation during Tuesday's plenary session while presiding over a motion sponsored by Senator Abdul Ningi (ADC, Bauchi Central), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports. The motion called for national recognition and adequate rewards for the young champions.
Akpabio described the donation as a token of appreciation from the National Assembly, intended to celebrate the players' achievement and motivate them to continue representing Nigeria with distinction.
He also appealed to wealthy Nigerians, business leaders and sports enthusiasts to support the players and encourage greater participation in sports among young people.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2–1 in the final in Rabat on Saturday. They became the first African team to win the competition and the first Nigerian women's side to claim a FIFA world title.
Their remarkable campaign also included a semi-final victory over Brazil, following an opening-match defeat to Poland.
SENATORS CALL FOR EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
During deliberations, Senator Adam Oshiomhole (Edo North) urged the Senate leadership to ensure that the players receive adequate educational support alongside their football careers.
The Senate also called on the Federal Government to reward the team appropriately, in line with the recognition extended to the Super Falcons following their Women's Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
Akpabio urged the Nigeria Football Federation to keep the squad together and develop the players for future international competitions.
The chamber further congratulated President Bola Tinubu for supporting sports development, alongside the National Sports Commission and its chairman, Shehu Dikko.
The Senate's donation follows a $50,000 cash gift to the team from businessman Saleh Ahmadu during a reception in Morocco.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR WOMEN'S FOOTBALL IN AFRICA
The Flamingos' achievement highlights the importance of investing in grassroots football, youth development, education and opportunities for young female athletes across the continent.
STAY INFORMED. STAY AHEAD.
Subscribe to TODAY'S Topnews weekly edition and stay connected to credible news, breaking developments, politics, business, sports and global affairs.
Get our latest weekly publication directly through WhatsApp.
SUBSCRIBE TO WEEKLY NEWS
