In a grand gesture of appreciation, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s national football team, for their remarkable victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The team’s sensational 3-2 comeback win against hosts Morocco in the final secured their record-extending 10th continental title, cementing their legacy as Africa’s most dominant women’s football team. At a celebratory reception held at Aso Rock, the presidential residence in Abuja, on Monday, July 28, President Tinubu announced substantial rewards for the players and technical crew, recognizing their inspiring achievement and the national pride they’ve ignited.
Nigeria went their entire WAFCON campaign without losing a single game 🤯 pic.twitter.com/TxaqnqnwkT
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) July 26, 2025
A Historic Victory and a Grand Reception
The Super Falcons’ victory in Rabat was a testament to their resilience and skill. Trailing 2-0 at halftime, the team staged a stunning second-half comeback, with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and a late winner by substitute Jennifer Echegini. The win marked Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title in 13 editions, a feat that underscores their unparalleled dominance in African women’s football. President Tinubu described the victory as a “triumph of courage, determination, and consistency,” admitting he found the match so intense that he “didn’t want to watch” at times due to the stress.
During the reception, Tinubu announced that each of the 24 players would receive the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger, a three-bedroom apartment, and the naira equivalent of $100,000 (approximately £75,000). The team’s 11-member technical and administrative crew were also rewarded with national honours, three-bedroom apartments, and $50,000 each. The announcement was met with cheers from the squad, who were celebrated as national heroes for their “Mission X” accomplishment—securing their 10th WAFCON crown.
Additional Support from Governors and Super Eagles
The rewards extended beyond the federal government’s generosity. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, pledged 10 million naira ($6,540) to each player and technical staff member. In a powerful show of solidarity, six Super Eagles players—William Troost-Ekong, Olaoluwa Aina, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Leon Balogun, and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo—donated a combined 24 million naira, with each player receiving 1 million naira. These contributions highlighted the unity and mutual respect between Nigeria’s men’s and women’s national teams.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau praised the rewards, calling them a “magnificent” milestone for women’s football. He noted that President Tinubu’s actions were unprecedented and would inspire young girls across Nigeria to pursue greatness through sports. “This is a magnificent day for women’s football and indeed, football generally,” Gusau said, emphasizing the potential for these rewards to encourage the development of female athletes.
Lasers from the crowd were pointed at Super Falcons players during the WAFCON final, even when they were 2-0 down.
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) July 27, 2025
They still pulled off the remontada and came back to win 3-2 and lift the trophy 🏆 pic.twitter.com/7KiwKyNPNb
A Legacy of Dominance and Challenges
The Super Falcons’ WAFCON victory is a continuation of their storied legacy. Since the tournament’s rebranding in 1998, Nigeria has won 10 of 13 editions, with only Equatorial Guinea (2008, 2012) and South Africa (2022) interrupting their reign. The team’s perfect record in WAFCON finals—10 wins out of 10—speaks to their mental fortitude and competitive spirit. Their success is not just regional; Nigeria is one of only eight nations globally to have qualified for every FIFA Women’s World Cup since 1991, a testament to their consistency on the global stage.
However, the team’s journey has not been without challenges. Historically, both the Super Falcons and Super Eagles have faced issues with delayed payments of bonuses and salaries, with the women’s team staging sit-in protests during major tournaments, including after their 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign. Fans have also raised concerns about pay disparities, advocating for equal compensation with the men’s team. The government’s recent fulfilment of a three-decade-old promise to provide homes for the 1994 Super Eagles squad has raised hopes that the current pledges to the Super Falcons will be honoured promptly, though past unfulfilled promises have sparked scepticism.
A Symbol of National Pride
President Tinubu’s rewards and the outpouring of support from governors and Super Eagles players reflect the Super Falcons’ role as a unifying force in Nigeria. Their victory has not only solidified their status as Africa’s football queens but also underscored the importance of investing in women’s sports. The National Sports Commission, led by Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, was commended for creating a supportive environment for athletes, with this WAFCON win seen as a step toward gender equality in Nigerian sports.
As Nigeria celebrates this historic achievement, the hope is that these rewards will mark a turning point, ensuring timely support and recognition for athletes who continue to make the nation proud. With the next WAFCON set for March 2026 in Morocco, the Super Falcons will look to defend their title and further their legacy, while inspiring a new generation of Nigerian girls to chase their dreams on the pitch.
