Super Falcons Celebrated with Cash Prizes, Houses and National Awards

President Bola Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s Super Falcons with $100,000 each, national honours, and new homes after their victory in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The team was hosted at the Presidential Villa in Abuja following their historic win in Rabat, Morocco.

At the event, Tinubu announced that each player would receive a three-bedroom house and a cash reward of $100,000, while each member of the technical crew would get $50,000. The players were also conferred with the national title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) for their outstanding performance in the tournament, marking Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title.

The celebration didn’t stop at the federal level. The Nigeria Governors Forum, represented by its chairman and Kwara State governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, pledged N10 million to each player and technical crew member. The gesture, delivered on behalf of all 36 state governors, served as an additional token of appreciation for the team’s success.

The President described the victory as more than a sporting achievement. He said the Super Falcons’ performance lifted the nation’s spirit and inspired young girls across the country. Tinubu admitted he was initially too nervous to watch the final match but eventually joined millions of Nigerians in cheering the team to victory. He recounted the tense moments during the match and the joy that followed the final whistle.

The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, praised the team’s resilience and spirit. She said the players had become role models for girls across the country and expressed belief in their potential to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup. She shared her earlier conversation with the President, in which she expressed confidence in the team’s future on the world stage.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade spoke on behalf of the team, dedicating their win to Nigerian girls everywhere. She said the trophy symbolized the hopes of young girls who dream of achieving greatness through sports. Ajibade called for ongoing support from the government and private sector to help the team maintain its competitive edge and grow women’s football in Nigeria.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described the victory as a powerful example of unity and the impact of sports. He credited Tinubu’s administration for supporting women’s sports and for promoting sports development as a tool for national cohesion and economic growth. He also acknowledged the First Lady’s continued backing for female athletes.

Following the event, many Nigerians expressed excitement on social media, hailing the President’s gesture as generous and well-deserved. Users on X, formerly Twitter, called the move unprecedented, especially for female athletes. Some praised the support for home-based players, while others hoped the promises would be fully delivered.

The celebration of the Super Falcons marks a high point for Nigerian sports, showcasing not just a victory on the pitch but national pride, unity, and a renewed focus on investing in female athletes and the next generation of football stars.