The House of Representatives has announced the donation of N100 million to the Nigeria’s Female under 17 National team, the Flamingos and officials of the team, following their historic 2-1 victory over Japan to win the World Cup.
The Green Chamber equally resolved to honour the Flamingos at a plenary session soon to celebrate their victory which brought fame to the country.
It, therefore, agreed to invite the players, head coach and technical crew to a plenary session for formal recognition and commendation for the feat attained.
This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, moved by the member representing
Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom state, Hon. Mark Esset at plenary on Thursday.
Moving the motion, Esset noted that the victory by the girls made Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup and the first African women’s national team to claim a FIFA world title at any level.
He hailed the players, head coach and technical crew for their performance, describing the achievement as a new chapter in Nigeria’s youth football history and a landmark for African women’s football.
Esset recalled that the Flamingos recovered from a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland to win their remaining six matches and lift the trophy, with Awawu Bashiru scoring Nigeria’s first goal the 39th minute, while Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the advantage in the 47th minute.
He also acknowledged Umejiaku’s outstanding contribution to the competition, noting that she scored four goals during the tournament and received the Golden Ball award as the competition’s best player.
The lawmaker said the individual recognition reflected not only the player’s talent, but also the collective effort of the squad and the preparation and guidance provided by the head coach and technical crew.
Esset also acknowledge the reward announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the players and officials, as well as the Senate’s separate pledge of N100 million to the Flamingo.
He noted that the achievement showed what Nigerian girls could accomplish when given the opportunity, support and appropriate environment to develop their sporting abilities.
The lawmaker emphasised the need to expand access to safe sporting facilities, qualified coaches and regular school and community competitions, particularly for girls in underserved communities.
He said identifying sporting talents at an early age must be matched with opportunities for progression from school and community competitions to academies, domestic leagues and national teams.
The lawmaker called for stronger cooperation among schools, state sports councils, football clubs and sporting federations, alongside safeguards to ensure that young athletes can continue their education while training and competing.