President Bola Tinubu has rewarded the Super Falcons with national honours, cash gifts, and new homes after their historic win at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
At a grand reception held on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu awarded each of the 24 players and 11 technical crew members the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). He also announced a cash reward of $100,000 (in naira equivalent) for each player and $50,000 for each coach and support staff. In addition, all team members will receive a three-bedroom apartment under the government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable. You have inspired me too. You represent the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after,” Tinubu said.
The Super Falcons made history on Saturday night in Rabat, Morocco, by winning Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title. The team came from behind to beat host nation Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final.
Tinubu said their victory went beyond football.
“It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency,” he said.
He joked about how tense the match made him, saying, “Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I didn’t want to have high blood pressure.”
He added, “You almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner. At the end of the final whistle, it was joy all over the country.”
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The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also praised the team.
“You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves. You reminded the world why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football,” she said.
She shared a private moment with the audience, saying, “I told Mr. President this morning that you are going on to win the World Cup, and he thought I was too ambitious. But Ajibade, the team captain, just seconded that, and that is possible.”
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was voted the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, thanked the President on behalf of the team.
“This victory is not just a trophy. It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream. This 10th title is for you, Mr. President, for Nigerians, for Super Falcons, and for every young child who believes and dreams to be on this stage someday,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, pledged ₦10 million to each player and crew member on behalf of the 36 state governors.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, said the Falcons’ win united the nation.
“This victory is a powerful symbol of our national unity and cohesion. In those 90 minutes, Nigerians everywhere prayed, cheered, and celebrated together,” he said.
This latest reward continues the Tinubu administration’s pattern of honouring athletes. Earlier this year, the Super Eagles were also recognized after their 2023 AFCON campaign. For the Super Falcons, the recognition adds another proud moment to their remarkable legacy in African football.