President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours and generous rewards on Nigeria’s senior women’s football team, the Super Falcons, following their historic triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
At a presidential reception held in their honour at the State House, Abuja, on Monday, President Tinubu decorated all 24 players and the 11-member technical crew with the national title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). He also announced cash rewards and housing allocations for each member of the team.
According to the President, every player will receive the naira equivalent of $100,000, while each member of the technical team will receive $50,000. In addition, all recipients will be allocated a three-bedroom apartment under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable,” Tinubu said during the emotional ceremony. “You represent the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. And we will continue to support you and the next generation.”
The President recounted his personal experience watching the final match and how the Falcons’ comeback lifted national morale.
“Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match,” he said. “When it was 2-0, I got very restless. But after that penalty, my strength and that of the nation were lifted. You gave the country something to celebrate.”
Tinubu also praised the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her emotional investment in the team. “She almost abandoned my dinner that night because she was glued to the screen,” he said jokingly.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu described the Falcons as role models and praised their courage and unity.
“You never wavered. The zeal you displayed on the pitch was nothing short of inspirational,” she said. “You played with passion and confidence, and reminded the world why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football.”
The First Lady also made a bold prediction: “I told Mr. President this morning that you are going on to win the World Cup. He thought I was too ambitious, but Ajibade just seconded it—and I believe it’s possible.”
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, in her address, dedicated the win to every Nigerian girl with dreams of greatness.
“This victory is not just a trophy,” she said. “It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream. On behalf of my teammates, I thank you for this honour and for believing in us.”
Also speaking at the event, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced a ₦10 million cash donation from the 36 state governors to each player and technical team member.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, commended the team’s performance and hailed it as a powerful force for national unity.
“For those 90 minutes, Nigerians across the country cheered together, prayed together, and celebrated together. That is the power of sports, and the power of our women in sports,” he said.
Dikko also credited the Tinubu administration’s support for sports development and women’s empowerment as key to the Falcons’ success.
This marks Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title, solidifying the Super Falcons’ status as the most successful women’s football team in Africa.
