Nigerian women's national football team, the Super Falcons, received a hero's welcome and substantial awards from President Bola Tinubu following their impressive victory in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).
Nigerian Women Footballers Rewarded with $100,000 Each by President Tinubu
Nigerian Women Footballers Rewarded with $100,000 Each by President Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu celebrates the Super Falcons’ triumph at Wafcon with generous promises of cash rewards and housing.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu hosted the triumphant Super Falcons at Aso Rock on Monday, celebrating their remarkable 3-2 victory over Morocco that clinched their tenth Wafcon title. During a festive reception, Tinubu announced that each player would be rewarded with $100,000 (approximately £75,000) and a three-bedroom apartment, along with national honors. The players were ecstatic upon hearing the announcement, although there have been past complaints regarding unfulfilled promises of rewards from the government.
Tinubu praised the team's passion, asserting their win symbolizes "courage, determination, and consistency," and admitted that the stress of watching the final left him apprehensive. As the team returned to Abuja, they were welcomed with traditional dancers and a convoy to the presidential residence, where the president expressed the nation's pride in their achievement.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade dedicated the team's success to "every young girl in our villages, towns and cities who dares to dream,” urging continued support from both the football federation and the government. The Super Falcons have historically dominated the Wafcon since its inception in 1998, winning 10 of the 13 editions held thus far.
Despite this victory celebration, there remains concern about historical issues related to delayed payments for both men's and women's teams. Past grievances involved protests from the Super Falcons regarding pay disputes, especially following their performance in the 2023 Women's World Cup. Recent reports indicate that President Tinubu had approved match allowances and bonuses ahead of the final, promising that such payments would be timely in the future.
With a renewed pledge of support, the Super Falcons aim to elevate themselves within the global football community, hoping their latest victory is just the beginning of a brighter future for women's football in Nigeria.
