By Olatunbosun Obafemi
President Bola Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s Super Falcons with national awards, luxury apartments, and significant cash rewards following their triumphant victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
At a celebratory reception held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, the President praised the team’s resilience and courage, describing their win as a beacon of hope for the nation.
Each of the 24 players and 11 technical crew members was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). Tinubu also announced the allocation of three-bedroom apartments to every team member at the Renewed Hope Housing Estate in Abuja. In addition, he directed the disbursement of cash awards—$100,000 in naira equivalent for each player and $50,000 for each member of the technical crew.
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable,” Tinubu said. “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.”
Recounting the drama of the final match against Morocco, the President admitted he initially avoided watching the game due to nerves but eventually got drawn into the thrilling comeback.
“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,” he said. “When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless. But after that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too.”
He added, with humour, that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was so captivated by the match that she nearly abandoned preparing his dinner. “She doesn’t watch football, except when the girls are playing,” he said. “At the final whistle, it was joy all over the country.”
Further boosting the team’s rewards, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced a donation of ₦10 million to each player and technical crew member on behalf of the 36 state governors.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu also addressed the team, describing them as role models and symbols of courage. “You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves. The zeal you displayed on the pitch was nothing short of inspirational,” she said. She expressed optimism about their future, saying she had told the President earlier that the team could win the World Cup.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was also named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the team. “This victory is not just a trophy. It is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Nigeria,” she said. “It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream.”
Ajibade called for continued government and stakeholder support to elevate the country’s status in global women’s football.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, echoed her sentiment, praising the Super Falcons’ victory as a symbol of unity, inspiration, and national pride.
“This win goes beyond sports,” Dikko said. “In those 90 minutes, Nigerians everywhere – from the north, south, east, and west – held their breath, prayed together, and celebrated together. That is the power of sports and, indeed, the power of our women in sports.”
The Super Falcons arrived at Aso Rock shortly before 4:36 p.m. to a warm welcome by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Their 3-2 comeback victory over host nation Morocco marked their 10th WAFCON title and solidified their dominance in African women’s football. Over the past decade, they have won four WAFCON titles: 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2024.
President Tinubu assured the team of his administration’s continued investment in sports and youth development, reaffirming his commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of champions.
