President Bola Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s senior women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, along with team officials, with national honours, financial gifts, and housing for their triumphant performance at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
At a presidential reception in Abuja, Tinubu conferred the title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all team members.
He also approved a three-bedroom apartment for each of them under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
The Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, further disclosed that President Tinubu awarded a cash gift equivalent to $100,000 to each player, while each member of the technical crew will receive $50,000.
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable,” Tinubu said.
Read Also: BREAKING: Super falcons return to Abuja after triumphant 2024 WAFCON victory
He recalled the emotional final match, noting how their performance lifted national morale.
“But you almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner.”
The President pledged greater investment in sports, particularly women’s football, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also announced a N10 million reward for each player and crew member on behalf of the 36 state governors.
First Lady, Senator Oluremi, praised the team as role models and predicted their eventual global victory. “You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves—that it is not over until it is over,” she said.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade expressed gratitude on behalf of the team, dedicating the win to every young Nigerian girl with a dream. “This trophy is more than a title—it’s hope,” she said.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, said the Falcons’ victory demonstrated the unifying power of sport and credited the Tinubu administration for its support of youth and women’s development.
“This win goes beyond sport. It is a powerful symbol of our national unity and cohesion,” he said.
