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Senate President Godswill Akpabio rewards Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team with N100 million for winning the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
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Akpabio describes the Flamingos as the pride of Africa and the world, following their historic triumph in Morocco.
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Governor Umo Eno congratulates Akwa Ibom-born player Mary Dunstan Akpan and two other indigenes who contributed to the team’s success.
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Eno reaffirms his administration’s commitment to sports development and youth empowerment.
November 13, (THEWILL) – President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has rewarded Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, with N100 million for their historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, while Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has congratulated the team’s Akwa Ibom-born player, Mary Dunstan Akpan.
Akpabio announced the donation at a reception in honour of the team in Abuja on Wednesday, describing the players as the pride of Africa and the world for becoming the first African team to win a FIFA women’s football World Cup title.
The Senate President, who was formally presented with the trophy, said the players had brought honour to Nigeria and inspired renewed hope among citizens through their determination and resilience.
He particularly commended the team for recovering from an opening defeat to record six consecutive victories and eventually emerge champions.
“You left Nigeria bearing our flag. You returned having carried it where no African nation had carried its own before – to victory at a FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup,” he said.
Akpabio assured the players that their education and future would be guaranteed, adding that their achievement had secured them a permanent place in Nigeria’s sporting history.
He also commended the coaches, technical officials, parents and guardians for their contributions to the team’s success, noting that the victory had demonstrated to Nigerian girls that they could aspire to the highest levels and achieve their ambitions.
The N100 million donation, approved by the Senate on Tuesday, was subsequently presented through envelopes handed to individual members of the team.
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Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi, described the team’s achievement in Morocco as remarkable, saying their names would remain in Nigeria’s sporting history.
Meanwhile, Governor Eno, in a congratulatory message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, described the Flamingos’ triumph as a historic achievement for Nigeria and a proud moment for Akwa Ibom
The governor particularly celebrated Akpan for her outstanding contribution to the team’s campaign, including her memorable goal against Mexico.
He also recognised two other Akwa Ibom indigenes associated with the team’s success: Arit Robert Effiong, the team secretary, and Charity Etim Godwin, the team’s physiotherapist.
Eno said the victory was a significant milestone for women’s football in Nigeria and Africa, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sports development, talent discovery, and youth empowerment under its ARISE Agenda.
