Super Falcons Honoured by President Tinubu with Cash, Houses, and National Awards After WAFCON Triumph

President Bola Tinubu has rewarded the Super Falcons, Nigeria's national women's football team, with a ₦150 million cash prize, allocation of three-bedroom apartments to each player and technical crew member, and national honours following their victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The President hosted the victorious team at the State House on Monday, celebrating their hard-fought 3-2 victory over host nation Morocco in the WAFCON final. The win marked Nigeria's tenth WAFCON title, solidifying their dominance in African women's football.

President Praises Team's Resilience

During the presentation of the rewards, President Tinubu lauded the Super Falcons for their resilience, courage, and unwavering determination, describing their achievement as both "historic" and "inspirational".

“On behalf of the 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),” the President declared.

He further announced, “I hereby allocate a three-bedroom apartment to each of the players and technical crew. In addition, there’s a cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 (₦150 million) to the 24 players and $50,000 (₦75 million) to the technical team member.”

The announcement was met with jubilation, as team members expressed their gratitude and excitement.

Historical Context and Significance

Nigeria's dominance in women's African football is undeniable. With ten WAFCON titles, the Super Falcons have consistently set the standard for other nations. This victory not only reinforces their position but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring female footballers across the continent. The team's success highlights the growing importance of women's sports and the need for continued investment and support.

Expert Perspective on the Impact of Rewards

Sports analyst, Chika Okoro, commented on the significance of the President's gesture. "These rewards are more than just monetary or material benefits; they are a powerful symbol of national appreciation. Such recognition can significantly boost morale, attract more young girls to football, and encourage greater investment in women's sports development programs," Okoro stated. "It's crucial that this momentum is sustained with long-term strategies to support the growth of women's football from the grassroots level."

President Tinubu's Admission and the Thrilling Victory

President Tinubu jokingly admitted that he did not watch the final match live due to nerves. "I didn't want to watch the match. I said I didn't want to develop high blood pressure," he said.

Nigeria’s victory in Rabat was a comeback story, with goals from Uchenna Kanu, Asisat Oshoala, and Jennifer Echegini securing the win after the team initially fell behind.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum

While the rewards and recognition are undoubtedly welcome, experts emphasize the importance of sustained investment in women's football to ensure long-term success. This includes improving infrastructure, providing better training opportunities, and promoting gender equality in sports administration. The Super Falcons' victory should serve as a catalyst for further development and growth of women's football in Nigeria and across Africa.

Continued investment in grassroots programs. Improved training facilities and resources. Promotion of gender equality in sports leadership.

The Super Falcons' triumph is a testament to their dedication, talent, and resilience, and President Tinubu's recognition is a fitting tribute to their achievements. The nation now looks forward to seeing the team continue to soar and inspire future generations.