The Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) has announced a reward of N2.1 million to the country’s cadet female team, Flamingos, following their defeat of USA at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India.

The Flamingos defeated their U.S. counterparts 4-3 on penalties after playing 1-1 at full and extra time in the quarter-finals of the ongoing football fiesta on Friday.

President of RSDF, Paul Edeh, who announced the donation on Friday while speaking to the team via phone call, said the reward was to boost the morale of the girls going into the semi-finals.

“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,” he said.

Edeh who is also the proprietor of Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) side, Naija Ratels Football Club, Abuja, said the donation was also in support of efforts by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in developing female football in the country.

It would be recalled that the foundation, with special focus on women and young people’s development, had motivated same Nigerian team with cash reward during their World Cup qualifier stages.

Edeh, while commending the new NFF leadership led by Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, urged the girls to do everything possible to reach the final and win the coveted trophy for the country.

“We are so impressed with your performance and I know many Nigerians will still do well to appreciate you more. Just remain focused.

“This is Nigeria’s first appearance in the semi-final of the competition and no African women team has ever attained such heights,” Edeh said.

RSDF has now supported the team with a total of N3.8 million, including the N1.7 million splashed on them during the qualifiers and now the N2.1 million.

The foundation has in the meantime promised to increase the amount to N3 million when they make it to the final. (NAN)

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