The Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has commended President Bola Tinubu for rewarding Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, with ₦100 million each following their historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Shaibu described the financial reward as a significant demonstration of the government’s recognition of sports and youth development, noting that appreciating outstanding performances would encourage young Nigerians to pursue sporting careers.

The rewards were announced on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during a special reception organised in honour of the victorious team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Under the approved package, each player will receive ₦100 million, which will be kept in trust through savings certificates in designated banks to secure their financial future. The team’s head coach, Akeem Busari, will also receive ₦100 million, while members of the technical crew will be rewarded with ₦50 million each.

Reacting to the announcement, Shaibu said the gesture demonstrated the importance of leadership recognising and rewarding excellence, adding that it would motivate upcoming athletes to work towards achieving similar success.

He further explained that the recognition would encourage greater participation in sports at the grassroots level and strengthen efforts to identify and nurture young talents across the country.

The NIS director-general maintained that the reward went beyond financial benefits, describing it as an investment in the future of Nigerian sports and an indication that exceptional performances on the international stage would receive national recognition.

Meanwhile, the First Lady urged the young footballers to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their careers, encouraging them to continue representing Nigeria positively as they advance to higher levels of professional football.

The Flamingos made history in Morocco by defeating Japan 2-1 in the final to become the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Their victory also marked the first time an African women’s national team had won a FIFA World Cup title at any level, representing a significant milestone for women’s football across the continent.

Shaibu’s commendation comes amid growing recognition of the team’s achievement, following separate rewards and congratulatory gestures from government officials and other stakeholders.