Tinubu Honours Super Falcons,Gives $100k cash awards,Houses.

ABUJA, NIGERIA

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

In a landmark celebration of sporting excellence, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s senior women’s football team, the Super Falcons, with national awards, generous financial gifts, and housing, following their record-extending 10th title win at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco.

The grand reception, which took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, witnessed the President confer national honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and 11 technical crew members. The team’s victory, achieved through a spirited 3–2 comeback over hosts Morocco in the final, has been hailed as one of the most iconic performances in African women’s football.

“You did not just win a football title; you won the hearts of Nigerians and lifted a nation’s spirit,” President Tinubu said. “Your commitment, discipline, and display of character have made Nigeria proud. You are all true champions and role models.”

In recognition of their achievements, each player received a monetary reward of $100,000 (in naira equivalent), while each member of the technical crew was awarded $50,000. Furthermore, the entire delegation was gifted a three-bedroom apartment under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates initiative, making the team beneficiaries of the administration’s national housing programme.

In addition, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, representing the 36 state governors, announced a collective ₦10 million reward per player and coach, further underlining the widespread admiration for the team across Nigeria’s political and civic leadership.

Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title, achieved under intense pressure and in front of a partisan Moroccan crowd, has been described as a victory for women’s sports in Africa. Trailing 2–0 at half-time, the Falcons mounted a spectacular second-half comeback with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini, sealing a 3–2 win that stunned the continent.

The President praised the team’s resilience and tactical discipline, singling out their ability to inspire hope in a nation navigating economic and social challenges.

“What you have achieved goes beyond football. You have become a symbol of resilience and the embodiment of Nigeria’s fighting spirit,” Tinubu said, flanked by members of the Federal Executive Council and sports officials.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was also present, commended the team for their courage and urged Nigerian girls to emulate their example.

“This victory proves that with determination, the Nigerian woman can stand tall anywhere in the world. We will continue to support women’s sports and ensure our girls have every opportunity to succeed,” she stated.

The team’s stellar campaign was highlighted by standout performances from Rasheedat Ajibade, who was named Player of the Tournament, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who recorded four clean sheets, and striker Okoronkwo, who was pivotal in the final.

This latest WAFCON triumph reaffirms Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football, as the Super Falcons now have more titles than any other nation on the continent. Their consistency, despite evolving competition, has earned them admiration globally and reignited conversations about increased investment in women’s football.

Analysts and stakeholders have welcomed President Tinubu’s gesture as a positive turning point in Nigeria’s approach to sports development, especially women’s football, which has often been plagued by underfunding and poor welfare.

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, noted that the rewards signify the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to improving athletes’ welfare, grassroots football development, and infrastructure.

“This is a new era. What we witnessed today is a clear message that athletes, especially women, will be celebrated, protected, and empowered,” Enoh said.

The President also promised continued support for the team as they prepare for the Paris 2025 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, where expectations are high following their African success.

With cash gifts, national honours, and housing delivered in swift and decisive fashion, President Tinubu’s reception of the Super Falcons stands as one of the most comprehensive acknowledgements of sporting achievement in Nigeria’s history. Beyond the medals and accolades, it represents a renewed hope for equitable investment in sports — and a powerful message that women’s football is no longer an afterthought, but a national treasure.