The Senate has announced a N100 million donation to Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.
The donation, announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday, is aimed at rewarding the young footballers for making history and bringing honour to Nigeria and Africa.
Akpabio disclosed the financial support while presiding over deliberations on a motion sponsored by Senator Abdul Ningi (ADC, Bauchi Central), seeking national recognition and appropriate rewards for the victorious team.
Moving the motion, Ningi described the Flamingos’ achievement as historic, noting that the young players had accomplished what several Nigerian national teams had struggled to achieve.
He said the victory was particularly remarkable considering the modest expectations surrounding the team before the tournament.
The senator, however, expressed concern that the players had not received adequate publicity and national recognition despite their outstanding performance.
He also questioned the level of official reception accorded the team upon its return to Nigeria, insisting that their achievement deserved greater celebration.
Seconding the motion, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) praised the Flamingos for defeating Japan in the final, describing their triumph as proof of the enormous potential, resilience and determination of Nigerian youths.
Oshiomhole urged Nigerians to celebrate the country’s achievements rather than concentrate exclusively on its challenges.
He also appealed to the Senate leadership to provide financial assistance to the players, particularly to support their educational pursuits alongside their football careers.
Adopting the motion, the Senate congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his administration’s support for sports development and commended Nigerians for the historic victory.
The lawmakers also applauded the National Sports Commission, particularly its Chairman, Shehu Dikko, for their roles in sports development.
The Senate further urged the Federal Government to provide adequate financial rewards and other forms of support to the players in recognition of their accomplishment.
Speaking after the adoption of the motion, Akpabio described the Flamingos’ victory as a landmark achievement for Nigeria and the African continent.
He particularly praised the team for overcoming established football nations, including Brazil and Japan, on their way to winning the competition.
The Senate President called on the Federal Government to adequately compensate the players, while urging the Nigeria Football Federation to keep the squad together and invest in their development for future international competitions.
Akpabio said the N100 million donation by the National Assembly was intended to appreciate the players’ outstanding performance and motivate them to sustain their achievements.
He also appealed to wealthy Nigerians, corporate organisations and sports enthusiasts to support the young footballers and encourage more youths to embrace sporting activities.
The Senate President congratulated the players, the Senate Committee on Sports and Nigerians at large, describing the victory as a source of national pride.
He stressed that the players should not be abandoned after their moment of glory, urging relevant authorities to establish a sustainable development pathway for the team.
The Senate’s intervention comes amid calls for greater recognition and improved welfare for young Nigerian athletes whose performances have continued to bring international recognition to the country.
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