President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on all 24 players and the 11-member technical team of Nigeria’s senior women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, following their historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
At the presidential reception held in their honour, President Tinubu awarded each player and technical crew member the title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
He also directed the allocation of one three-bedroom apartment to each player and technical crew member in the government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President approved a cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 players and the naira equivalent of $50,000 to each technical team member.
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable.
“You have inspired me, too. And it’s great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you,” President Tinubu said amid cheers from the jubilant team.
The President recounted the emotional moments of the final match, noting how the team’s performance lifted the nation’s spirits and united Nigerians from all walks of life.
“Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment; it is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency.
“Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I didn’t want to have high blood pressure. But people came in and turned my TV on that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless.
“But I was still watching with the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage. After that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted, too.
On a lighter note, the president added: “But you almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner.
”She doesn’t watch the game except when the girls are playing. And at the end of the final whistle, it was joy all over the country.”
The president assured the team of his administration’s continued support and commitment to sports development, pledging that the government would invest further in women’s football and youth talent development across the country.
“Your story is a story of hope. And in this era of Renewed Hope, we celebrate you not just as champions of Africa, but as champions of the Nigerian dream.”
In a further show of appreciation, the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also announced a donation of ₦10 million to each of the players and technical team members on behalf of the 36 state governors.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the Super Falcons as role models and shining examples of courage and excellence.
She congratulated the team for their exceptional performance and unwavering spirit, describing their journey as “a testament to resilience, teamwork, and determination.”
“You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves—that it is not over until it is over.
“The zeal you displayed on the pitch was nothing short of inspirational. You never wavered and reminded the world why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football.”
The First Lady prayed for the team’s continued success and shared an earlier conversation with President Tinubu about the team’s bright future as world champions.
“I told Mr. President this morning that you are going to win the World Cup, and he thought I was too ambitious. But Ajibade, the team captain, just seconded that, and that is possible,” he said.
In her response, Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade said the victory was for the team and every Nigerian girl who dreams of greatness.
“Today, I stand before you not just as the captain of the Super Falcons, but as a proud daughter of Nigeria, carrying the dreams, resilience, and spirit of our great nation,” she said.
“On behalf of my teammates, coaches, and technical staff, I express our heartfelt gratitude for this warm reception and your unwavering belief in us.”
Emphasising the significance of their 10th WAFCON title, the team captain said: “This victory is not just a trophy; it is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Nigeria. It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream…
“This 10th title is for you, Mr. President, for Nigerians, for Super Falcons, and for every young child who believes and dreams of being on this stage someday.”
Ajibade called for continued support from the government and stakeholders to elevate Nigeria’s global standing in women’s football.
On his part, the chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described the team’s victory as a symbol of national unity and the triumph of belief, courage, and excellence.
Dikko credited President Tinubu’s administration with investing in sports development and women’s empowerment.
“The Super Falcons’ triumph is a fruit of your unwavering support for sports and women. You have always believed that sports can unite us, heal us, and uplift our spirits as one of the major drivers of the economy. And today, we have seen it happen,” he stated.
Dikko commended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her “constant support for our women in sports.”
“This win goes beyond sports; it is a powerful symbol of our national unity and cohesion. In those 90 minutes, Nigerians everywhere from the north, south, east and west held their breath, prayed together, cheered the team, and finally celebrated together.
”That is the power of sports, and indeed the power of our women in sports,” he said.
James Peters, Alex Mana Laud President’s Generosity
Former coach of the Green Eagles and one-time manager of the Super Falcons, James Peters, along with retired FIFA referee Dr. Alex Mana, have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to reward the victorious Super Falcons with substantial cash prizes, houses, and national honours.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP Sports separately, Peters and Mana said the President’s gesture will inspire young girls who roam the streets to dream big.
The former Super Falcons coach urged past players who contributed to Nigeria’s WAFCON victories but have yet to receive recognition or national honours not to lose hope.
He noted that every leader has their own approach to rewarding hard work.
“Every President or leader has their own way of acknowledging hard work, and the current President has shown a different approach compared to his predecessors. Those who won the WAFCON title for Nigeria in the past and did not receive this level of recognition should not be disheartened but rather support the president,” Peters stated.
Dr. Alex Mana, for his part, stated that President Tinubu could not have made a better decision and congratulated the players and coaching staff for the honour they received.
“It was a pleasure to watch the president announce these rewards for the players. This is how it should be done to encourage others to strive for greatness. I am thrilled and congratulate the players and their coaches.”
Nigeria has dominated women’s football in Africa. This is the Super Falcons’ tenth continental trophy. They first won it in its inaugural edition in 1998 and the ninth title in 2018. Only two other nations have won the title – Equatorial Guinea in 2008 and 2012, and South Africa at the last edition in 2022.
This victory reestablishes the team’s pole position on the continent, after missing out on the medal table for the first time in the 2022 edition, after they lost to Zambia in the losers’ final.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
