Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rewarded members of Nigeria's U-17 women's national football team, the Flamingos, with N10 million each and an iPhone 17 Pro Max following their triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. The governor announced the gifts at a special dinner organised in honour of the team on Sunday at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event, tagged 'Wings of Gold: Lagos Honours the U-17 Flamingos, World Champions 2026', celebrated the players' historic achievement and acknowledged the contributions of their coaches and technical crew to Nigeria's success. Apart from the cash reward and iPhones, each player also received JBL headphones and other gift packages. The N10 million awarded to each player, however, will be kept in trust until they attain the age of 18.
Congratulating the team, Sanwo-Olu urged the young champions not to allow their latest achievement to make them complacent, stressing that they had only begun their journey to greater accomplishments. "Do not think you have reached the highest point. You are just starting your journey, so you must continue to work harder, stay focused and remain disciplined," he said. The governor described sports as an important instrument for youth development, saying it helped young people build mental strength, discipline and confidence.
Sanwo-Olu also praised the coaches, technical crew and medical personnel for their commitment to the team's success, urging the players to draw inspiration from Nigerian football legends at the ceremony. The governor's gesture was commended by the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, who acknowledged the Lagos State Government's investment in grassroots sports development.
Olopade noted that Lagos had continued to produce athletes excelling in various sporting disciplines, including football, swimming, tennis and boxing. According to him, young athletes between the ages of 12 and 18 had benefited from the state's grassroots sports development initiatives. He attended the reception to acknowledge the state government's contributions to sports development and Nigeria's achievements on the international stage.
Flamingos defender Rodiat Yusuf thanked the governor for the reception, recalling that she had represented Lagos at the National Youth Games, where the state emerged overall winner last year. She described Sanwo-Olu's hospitality and encouragement as memorable, commending his commitment to supporting young people. The team's captain, Harmony Chidi, also expressed appreciation to the Lagos Government on behalf of the players, coaches and technical crew.
Chidi thanked the governor for the support and hospitality, assuring Nigerians that the team would continue working hard to bring more glory to the country. "We sincerely appreciate your kindness, love and support. We pray that God grants you your heart's desires," she said. The governor's reward to the Flamingos is a testament to his commitment to promoting sports development in Lagos State and Nigeria.
Key points
- Sanwo-Olu rewards Flamingos with N10m and iPhones for their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup win.
- The governor urges the young champions to remain focused and disciplined as they begin their journey to greater accomplishments.
- The Lagos State Government's investment in grassroots sports development has produced athletes excelling in various sporting disciplines.
