Golden Girls: Senate Pops the Champagne with ₦100m for Flamingos After Africa's First Women's World Cup Crown.

Golden Girls: Senate Pops the Champagne with ₦100m for Flamingos After Africa's First Women's World Cup Crown.

Nigeria's teenage Flamingos beat Japan to make African football history, and Nigeria's lawmakers have responded with a ₦100 million thank-you.

ABUJA - They flew out as underdogs chasing history. They are coming home as world champions, and the Nigerian Senate wants them to know the country noticed.

On Tuesday, the Senate announced a ₦100 million donation to the Flamingos, Nigeria's Under-17 women's national team, days after the girls beat Japan 2-1 in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.

A night for the history books

The final was played last Saturday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. Nigeria's win made the Flamingos the first African team to lift the U-17 Women's World Cup. It is also Nigeria's first FIFA women's world title.

Nigeria had never gone this far before. Their previous best at the tournament was third place in 2022, and Ghana's bronze in 2012 was the only other podium finish by an African side. Reports also say the win makes Nigeria the first African nation to have won the U-17 World Cup in both the men's and women's categories.

Japan, a respected force in women's youth football, did not make it easy. Nigeria and Japan had never met at this tournament, but earlier meetings at the U-20 level had given Flamingos fans reason to worry. The girls ignored the history.

Stars of the show

Captain Harmony Chidi warned Japan before the final that her side was ready to bring the country its first title, and her team delivered. Striker Oluebube Umejiaku was reportedly named the player of the match after starring in the final and was also awarded the tournament's Golden Ball. Head coach Akeem Busari had urged his squad to complete their campaign with victory, and they did.

The country celebrated. First Lady Oluremi Tinubu was among those cheering the team on, and social media filled with tributes to the girls.

Senate steps in

The Senate moved quickly. It passed a motion congratulating the Flamingos, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the ₦100 million donation. Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) seconded the motion. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin had earlier praised the team's achievement.

The reward matters because FIFA does not give players a cheque for winning this tournament. Government and private gestures like this one are the main financial recognition the young champions will receive.

Beyond the trophy

The victory is more than a medal for a country that often struggles to fund its women's sports. It shows what young African talent can do on the biggest stage. Supporters hope the reward will be matched by sustained investment in grassroots football, better facilities and more competitions for girls.

For now, though, the Flamingos have earned their moment, and a grateful nation is saying thank you.