President Bola Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic achievement as the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

According to a report by The Punch on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the President hosted the victorious players and their officials at a special reception at the State House in Abuja, where First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu welcomed the team and celebrated their remarkable achievement.

As part of the rewards announced by the Federal Government, each player received a Federal Government Savings Bond worth N100 million.

The team’s head coach was also awarded a savings certificate valued at N100 million, while every member of the technical crew received N50 million in cash.

Explaining the government’s decision to reward the teenage footballers through long-term investments rather than direct cash payments, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, said the approach was designed to protect their financial future and prevent sudden wealth from affecting their careers.

According to Dikko, the government considered it important to provide the young players with investments that would continue generating returns as they progressed in their education and football careers.

“There is no need to flood them with money that can distort their career… You can invest for your 16-year-old so that at 20 they will have money to set up their life,” he stated.

The savings bonds are structured over a five-year period and reportedly offer annual interest rates of between 12 and 14 per cent.

Under the arrangement, each player is expected to receive more than N1.1 million in monthly interest, providing a regular source of financial support while the investment remains in place.

The arrangement is expected to help the young champions meet expenses related to their education, personal development, football training and family responsibilities while continuing their sporting careers.

Meanwhile, the Flamingos’ historic achievement has also raised questions about the future of the squad and the opportunities available to the players following their success.

Dikko disclosed that the National Sports Commission would assess the players’ ages to determine who remains eligible for the next U-17 cycle.

Those who have exceeded the age limit could also be considered for progression into higher age categories, including the U-21 team, alongside members of the coaching staff.

The government’s rewards mark a major recognition of the Flamingos’ achievement and are intended to provide the young players with financial security as they continue their football journeys.