…Urges NFF to sustain team, provide players with regular training, education
Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, on Wednesday presented the N100 million reward approved by the Senate to Nigeria’s victorious Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Akpabio presented the cash reward to the players and their officials during a reception at the National Assembly in Abuja, where he described their achievement as a source of national pride and inspiration.
However, the Senate President also drew a political parallel between the team’s success and the 2027 general election, expressing optimism that President Bola Tinubu would secure another term in office.
The Senate had, at Tuesday’s plenary, resolved to reward the players and their officials with N100 million in recognition of their outstanding performance.
Read also: Naira rain as Tinubu splashes N100m each on Flamingos after World Cup win
Speaking at the reception, which was attended by Jibrin Barau, Deputy Senate President, other principal officers and lawmakers, Akpabio said the timing of the team’s victory was significant as the country approached another election cycle.
He said, “Perhaps there is a special significance in the timing of your victory, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election.
“You brought this World Cup to us at this time, and we believe we have won the next election.
“For the President to receive you and welcome you in this manner means he will also receive a bigger trophy of re-election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Akpabio also acknowledged Tinubu’s separate pledge of N100 million bonds for each member of the team, describing the initiative as an investment that would provide lasting financial benefits for the young footballers.
He said the National Assembly’s N100 million reward was intended to recognise the players’ determination and the honour they had brought to the country.
The Senate President particularly praised the team’s ability to recover from an opening defeat at the tournament and go on to record six consecutive victories to emerge champions.
He said their comeback reflected the resilience and fighting spirit Nigerians needed to overcome challenges, recalling the country’s famous Miracle of Damman comeback.
“When you lost your first match, some of you could have become discouraged. But you demonstrated the Nigerian spirit. You refused to remain down, stood up and fought, winning the next six matches to become world champions.
Read also: Senate rewards Flamingos with N100m after historic World Cup triumph
“No champion stays down. A true champion gets up, fights again and wins,” he said.
Akpabio said the Flamingos’ victory had restored national excitement at a time when Nigerian football supporters had experienced disappointments following the country’s failure to qualify for major international competitions, including the men’s FIFA World Cup and the Women’s World Cup.
He said the young footballers had demonstrated that Nigeria still possessed the talent and capacity to excel on the international stage.
The Senate President urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission and other relevant sports authorities to ensure that the team remained together and received the necessary support to build on its success.
He cautioned against allowing the players to disperse after the celebrations, arguing that sustained investment was necessary to prepare them for higher levels of competition and eventual progression to the senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons.
“Do not allow this team to scatter. These girls are still very young, and the sky is not their limit.
“Regular training camps should be organised for them. Qualified and experienced coaches should be provided, alongside proper medical care.
“Competitions should also be organised for them, both within and outside Nigeria, to sharpen their talents and prepare them for greater challenges,” he said.
Akpabio further called on football administrators to establish more academies across the country to identify and develop young players.
Read also: NSC slams Peter Obi over Flamingos’ airport incident, demands public apology
He disclosed that he had established a football academy where children aged nine and 10 received free education, scholarships and football training.
According to him, the academy, located about five minutes from the airport, has an international-standard football pitch that could also host visiting teams during competitions.
Beyond football development, Akpabio stressed the importance of education in securing the players’ future, urging the Federal Government to ensure that the educational opportunities promised to them were fulfilled.
He advised the players not to allow the attention and celebrations surrounding their achievement to distract them from their academic pursuits, noting that education would provide them with opportunities beyond their sporting careers.
The Senate President also highlighted the team’s ability to work across individual and social differences, describing its victory as an example of how Nigerians could achieve common goals through cooperation.
He said the celebrations that followed the Flamingos’ triumph across the country showed that sports remained an important instrument for national unity.
“On the football field, the value of every player depended on what she contributed to the team. Your teammates depended on your competence, trusted your judgement and relied on your willingness to work towards a common purpose.
“These are the same qualities we demand from those seeking the trust of the Nigerian people.
“We cannot celebrate what our daughters have achieved together while deepening divisions among ourselves.
Read also: NFF hails Flamingos’ historic World Cup triumph as heroines return to Nigeria
“We must create opportunities for talent wherever it exists and take pride in the achievements of our fellow citizens, irrespective of their backgrounds.
“One Nigerian’s success is a triumph for all Nigerians,” he said.
Earlier, the Senate leadership congratulated the players, coaches and other members of the technical crew, describing their achievement as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s international sporting profile.
The players and their officials, in turn, appreciated Tinubu, the National Assembly, sports administrators and Nigerians for their support, pledging to continue representing the country with distinction.
Akpabio also congratulated the coaches, technical crew, parents and guardians of the players, urging them to sustain the discipline and unity that contributed to the team’s success.
He said the victory should serve as a lesson for other sectors of national life, including politics and infrastructure development.
“Let your victory inspire us to renew the hope of all Nigerians, not just in the sporting world but also in politics, infrastructure and every other sector of national development.
“Let us demonstrate the same determination, courage and confidence that you displayed on the football field,” he said.
Related News
Source: