Flamingos get $50,000 reward, but no FIFA prize money for World Cup win
Nigeria's Flamingos have received a $50,000 cash reward after winning the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, but the team will not receive any official prize money from FIFA.
The reward
The gift was presented by Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, a sponsor of the National Sports Commission (NSC), at a reception held in the team's honour in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday night, 7 November 2026, according to reports. The event was hosted by NSC chairman Shehu Dikko and director-general Bukola Olopade, and was also attended by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. The sponsor said the gift recognised the players' outstanding performance, commitment and determination.
No FIFA prize money
FIFA classifies the U-17 Women's World Cup as a developmental tournament and does not attach official prize money to it, unlike the senior World Cups. That means the champions receive the trophy and medals but no payment from world football's governing body.
How the final was won
The Flamingos beat Japan 2-1 in the final on Saturday. Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring when her looping effort slipped through the hands of Japan's goalkeeper, and Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the lead with a lob after a through ball from Esther Stephen. Japan's Fuki Ito pulled one back with ten minutes left, but Nigeria held on to become the first African winners of the tournament.
- A sponsor gave the team $50,000 in Rabat.
- FIFA pays no prize money for the U-17 Women's World Cup.
- Nigeria beat Japan 2-1 in the final.
