President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday went the novel way in the manner he rewarded Nigeria’s victorious Flamingos.
Rather than showering raw cash on them, he rewarded them with N100 million savings bond each following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President also approved cash rewards of N100 million for the head coach and N50 million for each member of the technical crew.
How and when will the girls retrieve the windfall?
When will the bond mature?
Here is the experts’ analysis according to online sources:
- Maturity Timeline. The principal sum of ₦100 million is locked for a five-year period from its November 2026 issuance, maturing in late 2031 when the teenage players have reached adulthood.
- Annual Interest Rate. According to National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko, the savings bonds carry an annual interest rate of roughly 12% to 14%.
- Monthly Returns. While the ₦100 million principal remains untouched until maturity, the interest generates roughly ₦1.1 million per month in returns for each player over the five-year span to support their education, training, and personal need
Meanwhile, represented by the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the President announced the rewards at a reception for the team at the State House, Abuja.
Tinubu said the players’ savings certificates would be held in trust through designated banks, noting that the rewards were designed to support their future.
“For all our players, Mr President is awarding you all with savings certificates of N100 million each.”
Tinubu described the Flamingos’ victory as a remarkable milestone in Nigerian and African sports, saying their achievement had made the nation proud.
“By being victorious in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Saturday, you have made Nigeria the first African nation to win this prestigious title.
“You have also become the first African women’s team to win a FIFA World Cup at any level,” he said.
The President said the team demonstrated perseverance, determination and teamwork by winning six consecutive matches to emerge world champions.
He urged the players to remain humble, disciplined and focused, adding that their success had inspired millions of young girls.
“Always remember that Nigeria believes in you. You have elevated Nigerian football, inspired millions of young girls and opened a new chapter for women’s football in Africa.”
Tinubu commended Head Coach Hakeem Busari, his technical crew, medical personnel, administrators and officials for their dedication and sacrifices.
He also applauded the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade and the
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for their contributions to the development of Nigerian sports.
He also acknowledged the support of the players’ parents, guardians and fans, describing the young champions as a testament to the nation’s belief in its youth.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the reception followed the Flamingos’ historic victory at the tournament in Morocco on Saturday.
The triumph marked the first time an African country had won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the first time an African women’s team had won a FIFA World Cup at any level.
Nigeria secured the title after winning six consecutive matches.
In the final, the Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1, with Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku scoring for Nigeria.
Umejiaku’s goal, scored two minutes into the second half, proved decisive.
Speaking at the reception, Captain Harmony Chidi attributed the team’s historic triumph to faith, hard work and unity.
She said the players rallied together after losing their opening match to Poland and remained determined to win the tournament.
Chidi pledged that the team would continue working hard to achieve greater success and make Nigeria proud.
“This is just a starting point. I will not say we have arrived. As young players, this is good and we have to keep working so that we can keep representing the country and winning more trophies,” she said.
Coach of the team, Hakeem Busari said the victory was due to hard work, team work and support from the Federal Government
