President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger on the Super Falcons for winning Nigeria’s 10th title of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco. 

Tinubu, who disclosed this when he hosted the players and other members of the team at the Presidential Villa on Monday, also announced the award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 players.

The President said the victorious players would each receive a three-bedroom apartment at The RENEWED HOPE HOUSING ESTATE.

He also announced the award of the naira equivalent of $50,000 to the technical team.

“I have received this trophy on behalf of all Nigerians, and I say to you: thank you for the dedication, passion, and for reminding us of the strength of the Nigerian spirit. On behalf of a grateful nation, I hereby confer on the players and the 11-man technical team the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

“Additionally, I hereby direct the allocation of a three-bedroom apartment to each of the players and members of the technical team.

“In addition, there is a cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 each to the 24 players, and the equivalent of $50,000 each to the 11-man technical team.

“Once again, I congratulate you, and I’ll continue to pray for you. With this, Nigeria’s spirit is unyielding and will never die.”

The President noted that the team’s performance had rekindled the nation’s hope, adding that the Falcons have become a shining symbol of possibility for both the present and future generations of Nigerians.

Also throwing in a joke, the president narrated the ordeals the 2-0 first half did to him.

What you almost did was make me hungrier because your mother, the First Lady, was in the kitchen almost abandoning my dinner, and she kept running, ‘We have won.’ I said, ‘You have not won.’”

In the same vein, The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also donated ₦10 million each of the 24 players and the technical team on behalf of the Forum.

IN her address, the First Lady lauded the resilience of the Super falcons despite the odds during the first half of the game. According to her, they have given hope and added light to lives of Nigerians.

Super Falcon Captain, Rasheedat Ajibade in her speech dedicated the trophy to the President and the entire country.

“This 10th title is for you, Mr. President; it is for Nigerians; it is for the Super Falcons and every young child who believes and dreams to be on this stage someday.”

Super Falcons Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie; captain Rasheedat Ajibade, and President Bola Tinubu, at the presentation of the WAFCON trophy to the President on Monday, July 28, 2025.

RENEWED CALL FOR SPORTING REVAMPING

Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade also used the celebratory moment to call for renewed dedication and increased investment in Nigeria’s sporting sector, particularly with a focus on nurturing young and emerging talents.

Her remarks echo the growing concerns of many Nigerians over the years, as the nation’s sports sector has struggled with chronic underfunding, delayed or unpaid entitlements, and institutional neglect factors that have repeatedly dampened morale and affected Nigeria’s representation on the global stage.

In what many saw as a much-needed shift in approach, President Bola Tinubu had, last week, approved the full payment of allowances and match bonuses for the Super Falcons ahead of their WAFCON final against Morocco.

According to Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, all financial entitlements, up to and including the final played on July 26, were disbursed promptly to players, coaches, and officials for immediate payment.

Ajibade’s call aligns with the voices of many Nigerians who believe that with proper funding, structured development, and accountability, the country’s rich sporting potential can truly be harnessed to deliver consistent global success.

WAFCON 2024: FOUR SUPER FALCONS STARS NAMED IN BEST XI

The Falcons made history on Saturday, coming from two goals down to defeat host country Morocco 3-2 to make it 10 wins in 10 WAFCON finals. A game that did not come easy.

The 10th title also saw four Nigerian stars named in the CAF Team of the Tournament.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie, and the highly-skilled Esther Okoronkwo were all rewarded for their standout displays.

Together, they were the backbone of Nigeria’s success in the 13th edition of Africa’s premier women’s football championship.