Martha Udom
President Bola Tinubu has rewarded each player of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, with a Federal Government Savings Bond worth ₦100 million following their historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph.
The reward was announced on Wednesday by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who received the players and their officials on behalf of the President at a reception held at the State House, Abuja.
Under the reward package, each player will receive a five-year savings bond worth ₦100 million. Head coach Akeem Busari will receive a ₦100 million savings certificate, while each member of the technical crew will receive ₦50 million in cash.
The Flamingos made history on Saturday, November 7, after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat, Morocco, to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku secured the victory for Nigeria, with Japan scoring once in the second half.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, said the decision to reward the players with savings bonds rather than direct cash was deliberate and intended to secure their financial future, as most of them are teenagers.
“There is no need to flood them with money that can distort their career,” Dikko said.
He explained that the five-year bonds would attract annual interest of between 12 and 14 per cent, providing the players with a source of income over the investment period.
Dikko added that the arrangement was designed to ensure the players could access the funds when they become adults, noting that the bonds would not be cashed until they turn 18.
The presidential reward comes a day after the Senate announced a ₦100 million donation to the team. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the donation on Tuesday during plenary.
The Flamingos recovered from a 2-1 opening-match defeat to Poland to win their next six matches and claim the title. They subsequently defeated Puerto Rico and Korea DPR in the group stage before overcoming Mexico and Venezuela in the knockout rounds. They then beat Brazil 3-1 in the semi-final before defeating Japan in the final.
