Super Falcons Receive National Honours and N4.95bn Reward After WAFCON Triumph

Nigeria’s Super Falcons were celebrated in grand style at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, following their historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. President Bola Tinubu honoured the 24 players and 11 technical crew members with national awards and a combined cash gift of N4.602 billion. The Nigerian Governors Forum also contributed an additional N350 million, raising the total reward package to N4.952 billion.

The Falcons secured their record-extending 10th WAFCON title after staging a dramatic comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final at the Rabat Olympic Stadium. They arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday morning before proceeding to their reception at the Villa, where President Tinubu fulfilled his promise of a befitting national welcome.

Addressing the team, the President conferred upon them the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger and announced the allocation of a three-bedroom apartment for each player and crew member in the Renewed Hope Estate. He also approved a cash reward of the naira equivalent of $100,000 for each of the players and $50,000 for each member of the technical crew, based on the prevailing exchange rate of N1,560 to the dollar.

The Super Falcons’ campaign in Morocco saw them dominate their group without conceding a goal, finishing with seven points. They crushed Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-finals, edged South Africa 2-1 in the semi-finals thanks to a late goal from Michelle Alozie, and completed their comeback against Morocco in the final with a standout performance from Esther Okoronkwo.

Their individual brilliance was also recognised. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie emerged as the tournament’s best goalkeeper, and head coach Justine Madugu was awarded Best Coach. With this victory, the Super Falcons solidified their dominance in African women’s football, having previously won the title in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018.