JUST IN: Gov Sanwo-Olu rewards Flamingos with ₦300 million, iPhones

The Flamingos with Gov. Sanwo-Olu in Lagos

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced a ₦300 million reward for Nigeria’s victorious U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Under the package announced Sunday at the Lagos House in Marina, each player and member of the coaching crew will receive ₦10 million.

The players will get an iPhone and headphones along with the cash reward.

The latest reward adds to the recognition and financial incentives the team has received following its historic achievement, which made Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The development comes days after President Bola Tinubu announced a ₦100 million Federal Government Savings Bond for each squad member at a reception for the team in Abuja.

The President also approved ₦100 million in cash for head coach Akeem Ishola Busari, while the technical crew received ₦50 million each.

The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, announced the package on the President’s behalf on 11 November.

The Senate had also pledged ₦100 million to the team in recognition of its achievement.

The Flamingos secured their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat on 7 November.

Nigeria took the lead through Awawu Bashiru in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the advantage shortly after the restart.

Japan reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute but could not find an equaliser as Nigeria held on to claim the trophy. Umejiaku was named Player of the Match.

The victory in Morocco was particularly remarkable because Nigeria recovered from a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening match to win six consecutive games.

They subsequently defeated Puerto Rico and defending champions Korea DPR in the group stage before overcoming Mexico and Venezuela in the knockout rounds.

The team then beat Brazil 3-1 in the semi-finals to reach its first final in the competition, where the victory over Japan secured the title.

Nigeria’s victory also marked the first time an African country had won the tournament since its introduction in 2008.

While the various awards by the Federal Government and now the Lagos State government have been applauded, the need to sustain investment in women’s football and the development of emerging talents has also been advocated for by key industry figures.

Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES. Twitter: @tundeyeludini