The Senate has announced a donation of N100 million to Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, after their historic win at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.
The Senate President made the announcement during Tuesday’s plenary while presiding over a motion moved by Sen. Abdul Ningi (ADC-Bauchi Central) regarding the need to congratulate the victorious girls on their achievement.
Ningi called the victory historic, noting that the young players had accomplished what several other Nigerian national teams had struggled to achieve.
He said the team’s triumph was especially remarkable given the limited expectations surrounding the players before the competition.
The senator expressed concern that the achievement had not received adequate publicity and national recognition, adding that the players deserved to be celebrated for bringing honor to Nigeria and Africa.
He also voiced concern that the team did not receive sufficient official recognition upon arriving in the country.
Seconding the motion, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo North) commended the team for defeating Japan in the final, describing the victory as proof of the potential and determination of Nigerian youths.
Oshiomhole urged Nigerians to appreciate the country’s achievements rather than constantly focusing on its challenges.
He also appealed to the Senate leadership to make a donation to the team to support the players’ educational needs alongside their sporting careers.
The senate thereafter adopted Ningi’s prayers, congratulating President Bola Tinubu for his support for sports development, Nigerians on the historic victory, and the leadership of the National Sports Commission, particularly its Chairman, Shehu Dikko.
It also urged the federal government to provide adequate compensation and rewards for the players in recognition of their achievement.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, said the victory was a significant achievement for Nigeria and Africa, particularly as the Flamingos defeated football nations, including Brazil and Japan.
Akpabio urged the federal government to adequately reward the players and called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to sustain the team and continue developing the players for future competitions.
The Senate president also appealed to wealthy and sports-loving Nigerians to support the players and encourage other young people to take part in sports.
He noted that the N100 million donation by the National Assembly was meant to recognize the players’ achievement and encourage them to keep bringing honor to the country.
“I want to commend the Flamingos, the Under-17 youth team of Nigeria, for defeating major countries such as Brazil and Japan to win the Under-17 World Cup for Africa for the first time and for Nigeria.
“We also urged, and we pray that the federal government will recognize these children accordingly and give them adequate rewards.
“The Nigerian Football Federation, under its leadership, should see the need to keep these children together and develop them further,” Akpabio said.
