Senate Donates N100m To Nigeria’s Flamingos

The Nigerian Senate has donated N100 million to the country’s Under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, following their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the donation during plenary on Tuesday while presiding over a motion sponsored by Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, to congratulate the team on its achievement.

Ningi described the Flamingos’ victory as a major accomplishment for Nigeria, noting that the young players had achieved what several other national teams had struggled to accomplish.

He said the team’s success was remarkable, especially considering the low expectations surrounding the players before the tournament began.

The lawmaker, however, expressed concern over what he considered the lack of adequate publicity and national recognition for the players. He said the girls deserved greater appreciation for bringing honour to Nigeria and the African continent.

Ningi also raised concerns about the level of official reception and recognition given to the team following their return to the country.

Supporting the motion, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, praised the Flamingos for defeating Japan in the final to secure the trophy.

Oshiomhole said the victory showed the abilities, determination and potential of Nigerian youths, urging citizens to pay more attention to the country’s achievements instead of concentrating only on its problems.

He also called on the Senate leadership to provide financial support for the players, particularly to help them pursue their education while continuing their football careers.

Following the contributions, the Senate adopted the motion and congratulated President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s support for sports development.

The lawmakers also celebrated Nigerians over the victory and commended the National Sports Commission, particularly its Chairman, Shehu Dikko, for his role in sports administration.

The Senate further called on the Federal Government to provide appropriate financial rewards and other forms of support for the players in recognition of their achievement.

In his remarks, Akpabio praised the Flamingos for defeating established football nations, including Brazil and Japan, on their way to winning the competition.

He called on the Federal Government to ensure that the players receive proper rewards for their performance, adding that the Nigeria Football Federation should keep the team together and continue developing their talents for future international competitions.

The Senate President also appealed to wealthy Nigerians and sports enthusiasts to support the young footballers and encourage more children to take part in sporting activities.

Akpabio explained that the N100 million donation from the National Assembly was meant to appreciate the players for their performance and motivate them to achieve more for the country.

He congratulated the Flamingos, members of the Senate Committee on Sports and Nigerians on the team’s historic achievement.