Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the donation during plenary on Tuesday, November 10, while presiding over a motion congratulating the team on its achievement.
The motion was moved by Senator Abdul Ningi (ADC, Bauchi Central), who described the Flamingos’ victory as historic, noting that the young players had accomplished what several other Nigerian national teams had struggled to achieve.
Ningi expressed concern that the team’s achievement had not received adequate publicity and national recognition, arguing that the players deserved to be celebrated for bringing honour to Nigeria and Africa.
Seconding the motion, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) praised the players for defeating Japan in the final, describing their triumph as evidence of the potential and determination of Nigerian youths.
Oshiomhole urged Nigerians to celebrate the country’s achievements rather than concentrate exclusively on its challenges.
He also appealed to the Senate leadership to support the players financially, particularly to help them pursue their education alongside their sporting careers.
Senate urges FG to reward Flamingos
The Senate subsequently adopted the motion, congratulating President Bola Tinubu on his support for sports development, Nigerians on the historic victory and the National Sports Commission leadership, particularly its Chairman, Shehu Dikko.
It also called on the Federal Government to provide adequate compensation and rewards for the players in recognition of their achievement.
Akpabio described the Flamingos’ triumph as a significant milestone for Nigeria and Africa, highlighting their victories over established football nations, including Brazil and Japan.
He urged the Federal Government to reward the players appropriately and called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to retain the squad and continue developing the young talents for future competitions.
The Senate President also appealed to wealthy Nigerians and sports enthusiasts to support the players and encourage more young people to participate in sports.
Explaining the N100 million donation, Akpabio said the contribution from the National Assembly was intended to recognise the team’s achievement and motivate the players to continue representing 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,” he said.
He added: “We also urged, and we pray that the federal government will recognise 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 congratulated the players, the Senate Committee on Sports and Nigerians on the historic achievement.
The Senate’s announcement follows growing calls for greater recognition and rewards for the Flamingos after their World Cup triumph, with concerns raised about the level of reception and official recognition accorded to the players upon their return to Nigeria.
