Nigeria’s Flamingos have returned home as world champions after beating Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, but their historic achievement will not earn them official prize money from FIFA, with the victorious squad instead receiving a $50,000 cash gift from a National Sports Commission sponsor, Footynaija.com reports.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s advantage two minutes after the restart, finishing Esther Stephen’s pass with a delicate lob.
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Japan pulled one back through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but Akeem Busari’s side held on to secure the trophy.
Umejiaku also received the tournament’s Golden Ball after scoring four goals during Nigeria’s campaign.
How Flamingos received $50,000 despite FIFA policy
Despite winning the competition, Nigeria will not receive a winners’ cheque from FIFA because the U-17 Women’s World Cup does not operate an official prize-money structure.
The arrangement differs from senior FIFA competitions, where participating national associations receive financial rewards based on their teams’ performances.
Instead, FIFA provides logistical support for participating teams, covering international economy-class flights, accommodation, meals and other agreed expenses for delegations of up to 29 members.
The official delegation comprises 21 players and eight team officials. The tournament provisions also include laundry services for match and training kits.
Reports indicated that the Flamingos received their $50,000 reward from Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, a sponsor of the National Sports Commission, during a reception organised in their honour in Rabat on Saturday night.
The event was hosted by NSC chairman Shehu Dikko and director-general Bukola Olopade. Nigeria Customs Service Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi also attended.
The financial recognition did not end with the sponsor’s donation.
President Bola Tinubu also directed the National Sports Commission to settle outstanding bonuses and allowances owed to the players and officials for their campaign, covering the preliminary qualifying rounds through to the final.
The Flamingos’ triumph also earned recognition from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who congratulated Nigeria on becoming the first African women’s team to win a FIFA title at any level.
