President Bola Tinubu has rolled out the red carpet for Nigeria’s Super Falcons, bestowing national honours, luxury homes, and millions in cash following their record-breaking triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
At a jubilant reception in Abuja, Tinubu conferred the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) award on all 24 players and 11 technical staff.
Each was also gifted a three-bedroom apartment under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, alongside a $100,000 (naira equivalent) cash prize for players and $50,000 for technical crew.
“You’ve lit up the hopes of an entire nation,” the President declared. “You’ve shown young girls across Nigeria that dreams are valid. You inspired us all including me.”
In a light-hearted moment, Tinubu recounted how the tense final match almost ruined his dinner, as the First Lady ditched the kitchen to catch the action. “When it was 2-0, I got very offended. But after that penalty, the nation’s spirit was lifted.”
The emotional tribute didn’t stop there.
On behalf of the 36 state governors, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, announced an additional ₦10 million cash reward for each team member.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised the players as “role models of courage and excellence,” urging them to aim even higher. “I told Mr. President you’re going to win the World Cup. He said I was too ambitious but Ajibade just backed me up!”
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, speaking for the team, said the victory was “for every Nigerian girl who dares to dream.” She called for sustained investment in women’s football, adding, “This 10th WAFCON title is a beacon of what’s possible.”
Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko hailed the Falcons’ win as “a symbol of national unity” and a testament to Tinubu’s investment in sports.
“In those 90 minutes,” Dikko said, “Nigerians everywhere north, south, east, and west were one.”
With tears, cheers, and standing ovations, the Super Falcons were celebrated not just as champions of the pitch but as icons of hope, pride, and possibility for an entire nation.
