The Senate has announced a ₦100m donation to the Flamingos, Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the money would be released immediately.
Akpabio made the announcement during plenary in Abuja on Tuesday, while the upper chamber was considering a motion congratulating the team. The motion was moved by Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central.
“We will make a token of N100 million to them immediately,” Akpabio said, as he also appealed to wealthy Nigerians, businesspeople and philanthropists to support the players financially.
The Senate adopted the motion, which also commended President Bola Tinubu for his support for sports development, as well as the National Sports Commission and its chairman, Shehu Dikko. Lawmakers urged the Federal Government to give the players adequate rewards.
Akpabio noted that the Flamingos beat strong football nations, including Brazil and Japan, on their way to the title. He urged the Nigeria Football Federation to keep the team together and continue developing the players.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole also asked the Senate leadership to support the players, including with their education and sporting careers, and called on Nigerians to celebrate the country’s achievements.
The Flamingos beat Japan 2-1 in the final on Saturday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to become the first African side to win the competition. Awawu Bashiru scored in the 39th minute and Oluebube Umejiaku added the second after the restart, before Japan’s Fuki Ito pulled one back in the 80th minute.
The team lost their opening match to Poland but went on to win six straight games. The Senate’s donation follows a congratulatory message from President Tinubu earlier this week.
The post Senate Donates ₦100m To Flamingos After U-17 Women’s World Cup Triumph, Akpabio Says Money Will Be Released “Immediately” appeared first on Information Nigeria.