According to a report by Punch Newspaper on Wednesday November 11, 2026, President Bola Tinubu has awarded Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, Federal Government Savings Bonds worth N100m each following their historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup victory.

The team’s coach received a savings certificate valued at the same amount, while each member of the technical crew was given N50m in cash.

The awards were announced by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who received the players and officials on the President’s behalf at a reception in their honour at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday afternoon.

The Flamingos made history by becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Their achievement drew national recognition, with the government’s awards intended to celebrate the players’ success and acknowledge the work of the coaching and technical staff.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, said the decision to give the players savings bonds rather than cash was deliberate.

He explained that the approach was designed to protect the long-term interests of the players, most of whom are teenagers.

The bonds provide a financial award while placing the funds in a savings instrument, rather than making the full amount immediately available as cash.

The coach was also given a savings certificate valued at N100m. The technical crew members, in contrast, received cash awards of N50m each.

The reception at the State House brought the team and its officials together with government representatives to mark the achievement.

The Flamingos’ title represents a landmark for Nigerian women’s football and for African teams competing in the FIFA age-grade tournament.

The team’s victory has placed its young players in the spotlight, with the bond awards recognizing their contribution to Nigeria’s success.

Dikko’s explanation highlighted the consideration given to the recipients’ ages in determining how the players’ rewards would be presented.

The announcement did not provide further details about the bonds’ maturity dates, interest terms or how the awards would be administered.

The government’s recognition extended beyond the players to the coach and technical staff, reflecting their roles in the team’s campaign.

The coach’s certificate matched the value of the players’ individual bonds, while the crew members received separate cash awards.