The Nigeria U17 Women’s team, the Flamingos, were showered with a total of six million naira in cash gifts following their emphatic 4-0 victory over Algeria in the first leg of their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
The reward came courtesy of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and billionaire businessman, Honourable Kunle Soname.
The dominant performance, which saw a brace from Queen Joseph and goals from Zainab Raji and substitute Aishat Animashaun, was met with delight by the Nigerian footballing fraternity, including NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who was present at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo.
Overwhelmed by the commanding victory that puts Nigeria within touching distance of their eighth U17 Women’s World Cup appearance, President Gusau announced the substantial financial reward for the young players.
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He revealed that two million naira was a direct gift from the NFF, while an additional four million naira was generously donated by Honourable Kunle Soname, the proprietor of Remo Stars FC.
Addressing the jubilant Flamingos after their stellar performance, Gusau charged them to replicate their efforts in the return leg in Algiers.
He urged the team to “go to Algiers and play their hearts out to win the World Cup ticket for Nigeria,” emphasising the nation’s belief in their ability to secure a spot at the finals in Morocco later this year.
The cash reward serves as a significant morale booster for the Flamingos ahead of the crucial second leg, scheduled to take place at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida on Friday. With a comfortable four-goal advantage, the Nigerian side will be aiming to complete the job and secure their place as one of Africa’s five representatives at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
The “naira rain” in Ikenne underscores the high value placed on their success and the collective desire to see Nigeria shine on the global stage.
