ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours and substantial rewards on Nigeria’s Super Falcons following their triumphant victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat, Morocco.

Each player of the record-setting team, which clinched Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title, will receive a three-bedroom apartment and a cash reward of $100,000 (approx. N153 million). Tinubu also bestowed the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all team members and the 11-man technical crew.

Additionally, each member of the coaching and technical staff will receive $50,000 (approx. N75.6 million).

The President made the announcements during a special reception for the team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He praised the Super Falcons for their resilience, determination, and unyielding spirit.

“You return as champions of Africa. You’ve made history and made Nigeria proud,” Tinubu said. “Your victory is not just a sporting achievement—it’s a testament to courage, discipline, and national pride.”

Tinubu admitted he initially hesitated to watch the final due to stress, but was eventually drawn in by the team's comeback performance. He described the atmosphere in the Villa during the match, revealing that even the First Lady had abandoned dinner preparations in anticipation.

“When the score was 2-0, I was restless. But when we scored and it became 2-1, hope returned,” he said. “By the final whistle, it was celebration across the country.”

Governors Add N10 Million Each

In a further show of appreciation, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), through its chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced an additional N10 million reward for each player and technical crew member.

First Lady Hails Team as Role Models

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, also praised the Super Falcons as role models for young girls across the country, describing their performance as “a beacon of resilience, teamwork, and excellence.”

“Your passion on the pitch was truly inspirational. You’ve shown why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football,” she said, predicting a future World Cup win for the team.

Falcons Captain Dedicates Victory to Nigerian Girls

Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade dedicated the victory to every Nigerian girl who dreams of success.

“This title is more than a trophy—it’s proof that dreams are valid. We are proud daughters of Nigeria, and this win is for every child who dares to dream,” she said.

Ajibade urged continued investment in women’s football to sustain the momentum.

Sports Commission Chairman: A Unifying Triumph

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described the victory as a unifying moment for the country, and credited the Tinubu administration’s commitment to sports and women’s empowerment.

“This win reflects your administration’s support for sports as a tool for unity, healing, and economic development,” Dikko told the President.

Nigerians Applaud Presidential Gesture

Nigerians took to X (formerly Twitter) in droves to express support for the gesture, calling it timely, generous, and unprecedented.

@OjubanireKehin2 wrote: “N150 million each! I’m thrilled, especially for the home-based players. Thank you, Mr. President.”

@cryptostashed20 added: “This is great. These women deserve support—especially after retirement.”

@karen_bae__ noted: “No president has ever done this. Many past promises weren’t even fulfilled.”