President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rewarded the Super Falcons with ₦150 million each and national honors after they clinched the 2024 WAFCON title in Morocco – www.naijnaira.com reports.
During a reception at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu conferred the title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and 11 technical crew.
As reported by the Daily Independent, each team member was also granted a three-bedroom apartment under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
The president approved a cash bonus equivalent to $100,000 for every player, while each technical team member received $50,000.
“You’ve lit a fire in millions of young girls who now believe their dreams are possible,” Tinubu told the team.
He recalled the stress of watching the final, joking that he was almost too tense to eat as the First Lady was glued to the match.
“The First Lady nearly forgot dinner,” he quipped, describing the nationwide celebration after the team’s victory.
Tinubu promised stronger government investment in women’s football and youth development in the coming years.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, speaking for the 36 state governors, announced an additional N10 million gift for each team member.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu called the players “symbols of courage and excellence” who played with heart and persistence.
“You showed the world that Nigeria is still a powerhouse in women’s football,” she said.
She added that the team’s energy was contagious and predicted a future World Cup title, with support from captain Ajibade.
Rasheedat Ajibade dedicated the win to every Nigerian girl with big dreams, describing the triumph as one for the entire country.
“This trophy is proof that belief and hard work make anything possible,” she said on behalf of the squad.
She urged leaders and stakeholders to provide consistent support to push Nigeria further on the global football stage.
Shehu Dikko, National Sports Commission Chair, praised the Falcons as a symbol of national unity and belief in women’s talent.
He credited the current administration for backing sports initiatives and lifting women through policy and funding.
Dikko said: “In those 90 minutes, Nigerians stood together, north to south, east to west—cheering, praying, and celebrating as one.”
He concluded that the Falcons’ win was more than a match—it was a national moment that brought hope and unity.
Article updated 3 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
