• Approves $100,000 for each player, $50,000 for coaching crew
• Governors’ Forum pledges N10m per player
President Bola Tinubu yesterday hosted Nigeria’s senior women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, at a reception in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following their historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The President conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on each member of the squad and announced a reward package including the allocation of a three-bedroom flat and the Naira equivalent of $100,000 (about N153 million) for each player. Members of the coaching crew were each awarded $50,000 (approximately N76 million).
“You have brought immense pride to our nation,” President Tinubu told the players during the event at the new Banquet Hall. “Your victory goes beyond the football pitch. It is a symbol of resilience, courage, and what is possible when we dare to believe and work together. You have ignited a new flame of hope in millions of Nigerians.”
The visibly excited team, intermittently breaking into the chorus, “On your mandate we shall stand,” was led by team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who won the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Woman of the Tournament awards. She was joined by standout goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie as they jointly presented the WAFCON trophy to President Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu — fulfilling a promise made by the President during a congratulatory video call after the final match in Rabat.
Praising the team’s performance, Tinubu hailed their record-extending 10th WAFCON title, describing the win as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football and the country’s stature in global sports.
Amid cheers and laughter, President Tinubu shared his personal experience of watching the tense final match.
“Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I didn’t want to have high blood pressure,” he said. “But people came in and turned the TV to the channel. When it got to 2–0, I was very offended and restless. But I kept watching, driven by the spirit of resilience and courage.”
“After that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe the strength of the entire nation was lifted too. But you almost made me angrier,” he added, smiling.
“Your mother, the First Lady, was in the kitchen and nearly abandoned my dinner. She only watches football when the girls are playing. And when that final whistle blew, there was joy all over the country.”
President Tinubu described the team’s triumph as “a victory of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency.”
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls, who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable,” he said. “You’ve inspired me, too. It is a great thing for a nation to have assets that represent the hope of today and tomorrow. You are that hope. You’ve ignited it.”
First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, praised the players for their passion, courage and determination, describing their performance as a powerful example of what women can achieve through perseverance and teamwork.
“Your victory was not just about winning a trophy; it was a resounding testament to resilience, teamwork, and an unshakable belief in yourselves,” the First Lady said. “You played with confidence and conviction, and reminded the world why Nigeria continues to be a dominant force in African women’s football.”
She noted that the Falcons had inspired a new generation of girls by showing what is possible through discipline and hard work. “You are role models to our young girls, not just in Nigeria but across Africa. You’ve shown them that with courage and consistency, they too can rise to greatness,” she added.
Mrs Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the coaching crew, technical staff, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission and the players’ families for their support throughout the tournament.
She commended Nigerian fans for their unwavering support, describing it as a major driving force behind the team’s success.
“This victory belongs to all of us. I thank God for this remarkable feat and pray that He continues to strengthen and bless each and every one of you,” she said.
The First Lady also lauded President Bola Tinubu for what she called his steadfast commitment to sports development and the welfare of Nigerian athletes. “Your support has created an enabling environment for success, and we are grateful,” she said.
Urging the players to see their continental triumph as the beginning of greater accomplishments, Mrs Tinubu said: “Nigeria believes in you. The future of women’s football in this country is bright, and you are leading the charge. Welcome home, our beautiful champions.”
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced that all 36 state governors had agreed to award N10 million to each player as a mark of appreciation and national solidarity.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including members of the Federal Executive Council, top government officials, executives of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and stakeholders in the sports sector.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development and women’s empowerment, vowing to increase investment in infrastructure and talent development to create opportunities for the nation’s youth.
The Super Falcons expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing the honours as a source of renewed motivation to strive for greater success on the international stage.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was named Most Valuable Player and Woman of the Tournament, delivered a heartfelt message on behalf of her teammates.
“Today, I stand before you not just as the captain of the Super Falcons, but as a proud daughter of Nigeria, carrying the dreams, resilience, and spirit of our great nation,” she said.
“This 10th title is more than a trophy; it’s a beacon of hope for every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream. Mr President, this one is for you, for Nigerians, and for the future of women’s football.”
Ajibade also called for sustained support and deeper collaboration to elevate Nigeria’s global standing in women’s football.
Super Falcons receive heroic welcome in Abuja
The Super Falcons received a grand welcome at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, yesterday following their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title win in Morocco.
The triumphant squad touched down around 2:40 p.m. aboard a ValueJet CRJ700 bombardier aircraft with flight number 5NCCK. The plane was greeted with a traditional water salute upon landing, as excited onlookers—journalists, fans and dignitaries—erupted in cheers after waiting for more than four hours.
Present to receive the champions were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Ministers of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Information, Steel Development, and State for Finance; officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); and executives of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Captain of the team, Rasheedat Ajibade, was the first to emerge from the aircraft, proudly holding aloft the golden trophy to the applause of supporters gathered on the tarmac. The players, visibly elated, danced joyfully to traditional drums and cultural performances by various theatre groups.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, praised the team’s bravery and fighting spirit. “The Nigerian girls played against more than 50,000 fans, despite there being 11 players on the field,” he said. “Apart from the initial shaky start that made those girls come to those two goals, after those two goals, they woke up and they began to pile the pressure.”
He stressed that the win was no fluke. “The victory was not a fluke. Those girls dominated the game from the beginning of the first half, up to the second half, and the end of the game.”
Keyamo commended the “Nigerian spirit” that the players demonstrated. “The spirit of can-do, the determined spirit, the spirit of determination of a normal Nigerian boy or girl is legendary throughout Africa. That is what was on display that night.”
He added that other sectors of Nigeria should emulate the Falcons’ tenacity. “Every sector of the Nigerian economy must display this kind of spirit. Despite all the problems we have faced, Nigeria is still standing on its feet.”
NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, described the victory as a proud moment for Nigerians worldwide. “It is a victory that every Nigerian must be proud of. A lot of people didn’t believe it could happen, and then it even came in a way that makes it very special—playing the finals against Morocco,” he said.
Coach Augustine Eguavoen credited the win to the players’ fitness, resilience, and unwavering determination.
FG hails Super Falcons’ triumph
The Federal Government has hailed the Super Falcons’ victory at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as a powerful affirmation of Nigeria’s resilience, excellence, and unyielding national spirit.
In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, congratulated the players, coaches and technical crew on their historic achievement, noting that their success had inspired a new generation and once again showcased the unifying strength of sports.
“The federal government warmly welcomes our gallant Super Falcons on their triumphant return from Rabat, Morocco, where they emerged as champions of the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations,” Idris said.
“This victory is more than a sporting achievement—it is a stirring testament to the resilience, excellence, and indomitable Nigerian spirit that the Super Falcons continue to embody. With unmatched skill, stellar performance, discipline, and unity, our national heroines have inscribed Nigeria’s name in gold on the continental stage, making the nation proud.”
The minister, speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government, expressed gratitude to the entire team for their dedication.
“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the entire Federal Government, I salute the players, coaches, and technical crew for their courage and commitment. You have inspired a new generation of Nigerians and demonstrated the power of sports as a unifying and uplifting force,” he said.
Idris also assured that the Tinubu administration remained committed to sustained investment in sports development and Nigerian athletes, providing them with the resources and platforms needed to thrive and serve as national role models.
“As our victorious amazons arrive in Abuja this afternoon, Nigerians are encouraged to cheer the team on a procession from the Abuja City Gate, through the Eagle Square and the Presidential Villa, where they will be officially received,” he added.
“The Super Falcons have flown the Nigerian flag high and brought joy to millions of our citizens. Welcome home, champions of Africa!”
