Flamingos: Why Tinubu’s ₦100m reward comes with an age condition

Every player in Nigeria's U-17 Women's World Cup-winning Flamingos squad has been awarded ₦100m by President Bola Tinubu, but none of them can touch the money until they turn 18.

The rewards were announced at a reception for the team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, with First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu delivering the President's remarks. The players' awards come as savings certificates held in trust through designated banks, the News Agency of Nigeria reported.

Head coach Hakeem Busari receives ₦100m in cash, and each member of his technical crew ₦50m.

The Flamingos beat Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat to become the first African side to win the tournament, a run that left behind five records Africa had never seen.

‘Nigeria believes in you'

Speaking on the President's behalf, the First Lady spelt out the structure of the players' reward, in comments reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.

For all our players, Mr President is awarding you all with savings certificates of N100 million each.

Always remember that Nigeria believes in you.

The President's message also credited the coaches, medical staff, administrators, the National Sports Commission leadership of Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, and the NFF, as well as the players' parents and guardians.

Captain Harmony Chidi kept her feet on the ground when she spoke for the squad.

This is just a starting point. I will not say we have arrived.

Analysis: Why the age condition is the smart part of the reward

₦100m is a life-changing sum for any teenager, and handing it over in cash to players who are still minors would have put a lot of pressure on them and their families. Holding it in savings certificates until each player turns 18 protects the money and keeps the focus on football for the next few years, which is exactly when these players need to be developing.

The cash for the coaching staff rewards the people who built the team, and Busari's group has earned that recognition with the first world title by an African side at this level.

The real test is delivery. The Super Falcons only received their $100,000 WAFCON reward this month after a 15-month wait, so the value of Wednesday's announcement will be measured by how smoothly the certificates and the staff payments are processed.

Chidi's line is the right one to end on. If even a handful of this squad make the step up to the Super Falcons, the reward will have been an investment in the senior team as much as a thank you for Rabat.