The Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has praised President Bola Tinubu for rewarding Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, with ₦100 million each following their historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph in Morocco.
Shaibu described the financial package as a bold statement on the value of sports and youth development in Nigeria, noting that the gesture demonstrated the importance of recognising and rewarding excellence.
The rewards were announced on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during a presidential reception for the victorious team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Under the package, each player will receive ₦100 million, to be held in trust in designated banks to secure their financial future. The head coach will also receive ₦100 million, while members of the technical crew will get ₦50 million each.
Reacting to the announcement, Shaibu said the presidential gesture was an example of leadership rewarding excellence and would serve as motivation for young athletes across the country to pursue sporting success.
He added that recognising the Flamingos’ achievement would encourage greater participation in sports at grassroots level and strengthen the country’s commitment to nurturing young talents.
The NIS boss said the reward went beyond financial recognition, describing it as an investment in the future of Nigerian sports and a strong signal that outstanding performances on the international stage would not go unnoticed.
The First Lady, while addressing the players, urged them to sustain their discipline, focus and commitment, and remain worthy ambassadors of Nigeria as they progress to higher levels of their football careers.
The Flamingos made history in Morocco by becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, following their victory over Japan in the final.
Their triumph marked a major milestone for Nigerian women’s football and reinforced the country’s growing reputation in youth football development.