President Tinubu honours Super Falcons with national awards, houses, $100K each following WAFCON victory
President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and 11 technical crew members of the Super Falcons in recognition of their historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
At a grand reception held on Monday, July 28, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President also announced cash rewards, the naira equivalent of $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for each coach and support staff.
Additionally, each member of the team will receive a three-bedroom apartment under the government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable. 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. You ignited that hope and we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you,” Mr Tinubu said to loud applause from the team and invited guests.
The Super Falcons secured Nigeria’s record-extending 10th continental crown with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over hosts Morocco on Saturday night in Rabat.
Led by head coach Justin Madugu, the team battled through a tough tournament — defeating Zambia and South Africa before toppling the Atlas Lionesses in the final.
“Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency,” the President added.
“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. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless. But I was still watching with the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage and after that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too."
"But you almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner. She doesn’t watch the game except when the girls are playing. And at the end of the final whistle, it was joy all over the country,” President Tinubu recounted.
For her part, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, described the Super Falcons as “role models and shining examples of courage and excellence.”
“You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves—that it is not over until it is over. The zeal you displayed on the pitch was nothing short of inspirational. You never wavered and reminded the world why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football.”
She also revealed a conversation with her husband before the event: “I told Mr. President this morning that you are going on to win the World Cup, and he thought I was too ambitious. But Ajibade, the team captain, just seconded that, and that is possible.”
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was voted the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, thanked the President for the recognition and reiterated the team’s dream to reach greater heights.
