Tinubu honours WAFCON-Winning Super Falcons with national awards, cash and housing

President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on Nigeria’s senior women’s football team, the Super Falcons, following their remarkable victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco.

At a presidential reception in Abuja, each of the 24 players and 11 technical crew members was awarded the title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

The President also approved the allocation of a three-bedroom apartment to every team member under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, alongside cash rewards equivalent to $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for each coach and support staff.

President Tinubu commended the team for lifting the nation’s spirits and serving as a beacon of hope for young Nigerians, particularly girls aspiring to pursue professional sports careers.

He acknowledged the emotional weight of the final match, describing it as a moment that united the country and underscored the value of perseverance and resilience.

Beyond the federal gesture, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, represented by its Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced a donation of ₦10 million to each team member on behalf of the 36 state governors.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, praised the Super Falcons as symbols of excellence and resilience, urging continued support for women’s football.

She expressed optimism about the team’s prospects on the global stage, noting that their recent achievement signals even greater potential ahead.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, speaking on behalf of the team, expressed gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the victory to every young Nigerian girl who dreams of success.

She highlighted the symbolic significance of their 10th WAFCON title as a testament to the strength and determination of Nigerian women.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described the team’s success as a unifying force in the country and a result of sustained investment in sports development.

He credited the Tinubu administration for prioritising youth empowerment and gender inclusion in sports.

The Super Falcons’ victory marks Nigeria’s continued dominance in African women’s football and reinforces the nation’s rising profile in global sports.