Edi Umoh
The Senate has showered N100 million on Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.
Flamingos returned to the country Monday after their historic 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup tournament, making Nigeria the first African country to win the tournament.
The Senate President announced the donation during plenary on Tuesday after a motion by Sen. Abdul Ningi (ADC-Bauchi Central) on the need to congratulate the victorious girls on their achievement.
Ningi described the victory as historic, noting that the young players had achieved what several other Nigerian national teams had struggled to accomplish.
Also read: Flamingos Win First U-17 Women’s World Cup After Thrashing Japan
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.
Ningi 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.
Senator Akpabio 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.
Tinubu Congratulates Flamingos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s Flamingos on their historic victory.
Also read: Flamingos Defeat Brazil to reach first U-17 World Cup final
The President described the maiden triumph as a moment of national pride and a landmark achievement for Africa women’s football.
President Tinubu received news of the victory upon his return from campaign engagements in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States.
In a congratulatory message signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President said: “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.
“To our gallant Flamingos, I say congratulations. You have shown courage, discipline, determination and the Nigerian spirit of never giving up.
“I followed your journey throughout this tournament, and after your semi-final victory, you promised to bring the trophy home. Today, you have kept that promise. You believed in yourselves, fought for one another and carried our nation’s flag to the very top of the world.
“Your victory is an inspiration to millions of young Nigerian girls who dream of achieving greatness. You have shown them that with hard work, opportunity and determination, they too can reach the highest levels of achievement.
“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you.”
President Tinubu particularly applauded Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku, whose goals secured the historic victory, while commending the entire squad for its exceptional teamwork throughout the tournament.
He also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission for their contributions to the team’s success.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover, nurture and fulfil their potential.
“Congratulations once again, Flamingos. Thank you for making Nigeria proud,” the President added.
