Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Senate have donated N100 million to the Flamingos to celebrate their historic U-17 World Cup victory.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has led the National Assembly to donate N100 million to Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, after the young girls defeated world football powers to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy for the first time in Africa.
The big money reward and public celebration took place inside the Senate chamber in Abuja following a special motion moved on the floor of the house to honour the teenage football stars for bringing joy and pride to the entire nation.
During the Senate meeting, lawmakers praised the young girls for their brave performance on the pitch, where they defeated big countries like Brazil and Japan to win the World Cup trophy.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the young players as Nigeria’s “Golden Girls” and history makers, urging the Federal Government, wealthy businessmen, and sports lovers across the country to shower the team with more gifts and financial support so they can build a great future in sports and education.
Calling on the National Assembly to take the lead in rewarding the young girls, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated:
“From the National Assembly, even if we don’t have anything to give these children, we will make a token of ₦100 million to them immediately.”
Praising the young team for their hard work and discipline on the football field, the Senate President added:
“You have not only won a trophy; you have won the hearts of millions of Nigerians and inspired a generation of young girls to dream big, believe in themselves and reach for greatness. You are our pride, our champions and our Golden Girls!”
Continuing his praise for the team’s historic achievement on the world stage, he stated:
“Your courage, determination, discipline, teamwork and fighting spirit have brought immense joy and honour to our nation. You have demonstrated that with talent, hard work and belief, no dream is beyond reach. The world has heard our victory song!”
Addressing the football authorities in Nigeria on how to take care of the young players so their talent will not be wasted, the Senate President noted:
“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 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.”
The N100 million token will be handed over to the players and their handlers to appreciate their effort and support their personal growth.
Jennifer Baba is a journalist, international news correspondent, and writer at Moderncrux, where she covers artificial intelligence, fintech, emerging technologies, global politics, and international affairs. Based in Nigeria, she is passionate about transforming complex global developments into clear, engaging stories that inform and inspire readers.
