The National Vice Chairman (South East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and APC Presidential Campaign Council South East Co-Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for rewarding members of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingoes, with ₦100 million each following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Arodiogbu described the gesture as a clear demonstration of the President’s commitment to recognising excellence, investing in the youth, and supporting Nigerian sports at every level.
He noted that the Flamingoes’ victory, Nigeria’s and Africa’s first title in the competition after a 2-1 win over Japan in the final in Rabat, Morocco, had already shown the results of deliberate grassroots sports development under the Tinubu administration.
The subsequent presidential reward, he said, further affirms that the government values the sacrifices and achievements of young athletes.
“President Tinubu has once again shown that when Nigerian youths deliver on the global stage, the nation stands with them,” Arodiogbu stated.
“The ₦100 million savings bonds for each player, the reward for the head coach, and the support for the technical crew are not just cash gifts. They are investments in the future of these young champions and a strong signal that excellence will always be appreciated under this administration.”
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, announced the package on behalf of the President during a reception for the team at the State House in Abuja. Each player received a Federal Government savings certificate worth ₦100 million (to be held in trust given their ages), the head coach received ₦100 million, and members of the technical crew received ₦50 million each.
Arodiogbu linked the development to the broader Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on youth empowerment, talent discovery, and creating an enabling environment for Nigerians to excel.
He congratulated the players, coaches, the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission, and all who contributed to the historic feat.
He urged continued support for grassroots sports and called on Nigerians to sustain the momentum by backing the administration that has prioritised such investments.
“This is the kind of leadership that inspires the next generation,” Arodiogbu added. “The Flamingoes have made us proud. President Tinubu has shown that their efforts will not go unrewarded.”
