RSDF also promised to offer N3 million to Flamingos, if they are able to make it to the final of the competition
By Kehinde Okeowo
A sports establishment, Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) has announced a cash reward of N2.1 million to Nigeria’s U-17 female team, the Flamingos after they qualified for the last four of FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India.
The Nigerian girls beat tournament favourite, USA 4-3 on penalties in the quarter-finals after playing a 1-1 draw in regulation time, to qualify for the semifinals of the age-grade female World Cup.
President of RSDF, Barr. Paul Edeh, made the announcement of the cash gift on Friday, October 22, while speaking with the team via phone call.
According to him, the reward will further boost their morale going into the last stage and complement the efforts of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
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Reacting, the new NFF leadership led by Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, commended Edeh, who is also the proprietor of Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) side, Naija Ratels football club of Abuja and charged the girls to strive to win the coveted trophy for the country.
He said, “Beating USA and reaching the semi-final stage of a World Cup for the first time is a no mean feat. This is highly commendable and I implore the team to do more.
“We are so impressed with your performance and I know many Nigerians will still do well to appreciate you more. Just remain focused.”
RSDF, a foundation with a special focus on women and young people’s development, has now supported the team with a total of N3.8 million. It handed the team N1.7 million during the qualifiers and now N2.1 million.
The Foundation has now gone further to offer N3 million to the girls if they can make it to the final of the competition.
