The Nigerian Senate has committed N100 million to the country’s Under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, following their performance on the international stage, while calling for more substantial government support for the young athletes.
The resolution was reached during Tuesday’s plenary after lawmakers considered a motion seeking official recognition and improved rewards for the players.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the legislature’s financial commitment, assuring that the team would receive the money immediately.
“From the National Assembly, even if we do not have anything else to give these children, we will make a token of N100 million to them immediately,” he said.
The Senate also urged President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to introduce additional incentives for the team, stressing that sporting achievements should attract tangible recognition rather than mere public commendation.
The Sun reported that lawmakers raised concerns about the treatment of the Flamingos following their return to Nigeria, particularly the absence of top government representatives at the airport to receive the players.
Senator Abdul Ningi, who sponsored the motion, said the team’s performance deserved national attention, especially as the young footballers had managed to distinguish themselves despite spending only about six months together before the competition.
He also expressed concern that the team’s campaign had received limited media attention, arguing that their success had offered a positive moment for Nigerian football amid disappointing performances by other national sides.
Senator Ned Nwoko and former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole also called for greater appreciation of the players, with both lawmakers highlighting their ability to compete against established football nations.
Nwoko urged the President to accord the team national recognition and asked governors to celebrate players originating from their respective states. Oshiomhole, meanwhile, cited the team’s triumph over Japan as evidence of the competitive ability of Nigerian youths.
The lawmakers further warned against breaking up the squad after the tournament, urging the Nigeria Football Federation to preserve the team and develop the players for future international assignments.
Akpabio said maintaining the squad would give the players an opportunity to grow together and potentially form the foundation of Nigeria’s future senior women’s national team.
The Senate also called on private individuals, business leaders and other well-meaning Nigerians to contribute towards rewarding the players, while emphasising the need for government commitments to national sports teams to be honoured.
