President Bola Tinubu, while hosting the Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa on Monday, announced several rewards for the team following their recent WAFCON triumph. Each of the 24 players is to receive the naira equivalent of \$100,000, as well as a three-bedroom apartment. The 11-man technical crew will also receive the naira equivalent of \$50,000 each.
He commended the team for their dedication, passion, and for showcasing the resilience of the Nigerian spirit. He further conferred national honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all players and the technical team, stating, “I have received this trophy on behalf of all Nigerians. On behalf of a grateful nation, I hereby confer on the players and the 11-man technical team the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).”
Tinubu expressed deep admiration for the players’ courage, stating that their victory had inspired millions, especially young girls. “You inspired me, too. You ignited our hope, and we will continue to encourage you, encourage the next generation, and other generations after you,” he said.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, also announced a donation of ₦10 million to each player and technical team member on behalf of the Forum. Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade thanked the President for his support, noting that the WAFCON trophy was dedicated to all Nigerians, especially young girls. She called for more institutional backing for women’s football, reaffirming the team’s ambition to become the best women’s football team in the world.
The Super Falcons had earlier been welcomed by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following their return from Morocco. They arrived aboard a chartered flight around 2:26 p.m. and were received by excited fans and top government officials, including the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Culture and Tourism, Hanatu Musawa; and the Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
Their victory in the final against hosts Morocco was hard-fought. Morocco took an early 2-0 lead, with goals in the 13th and 28th minutes. However, the Super Falcons mounted a comeback in the second half. In the 63rd minute, Okoronkwo converted from the penalty spot following a handball incident. Just eight minutes later, Ijamilusi scored the equaliser after a decisive run by Okoronkwo. The comeback was sealed in the 88th minute when a deep free-kick was tapped home by Echegini, giving Nigeria a 3-2 victory and their 10th WAFCON title.
