Nigeria’s Super Falcons Promised $100,000 Each After Historic Wafcon Victory

Nigeria’s women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, received a hero’s welcome after their triumphant win at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). In recognition of their outstanding achievement, President Bola Tinubu has rewarded each player with $100,000 and a three-bedroom apartment, during a grand reception held at Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Monday.

President Tinubu Hails Super Falcons for WAFCON Glory

Celebrating their stunning 3-2 comeback victory against hosts Morocco in Saturday’s final, President Tinubu described the win as a “triumph of courage, determination, and consistency.”

“At some point, I didn’t even want to watch the match because of the stress,” he admitted, praising the team for making Nigeria proud.

The Super Falcons, led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, now hold 10 WAFCON titles, further cementing their dominance in African women’s football.

National Honours and Cash Gifts

During the ceremony, Tinubu awarded national honours—Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)—to all 24 players and coaching staff, stating it was a token of appreciation from a “grateful nation.”

The announcement of the $100,000 reward and housing package was met with joyous celebrations from the team, though there is skepticism due to Nigeria’s history of delayed or unfulfilled promises to national athletes.

A Historic Achievement for Women’s Football in Nigeria

Ajibade, speaking at the event, dedicated the victory to “every young girl in Nigeria who dares to dream.” She also called for continued support from the government and the Nigerian Football Federation to transform the Super Falcons into one of the world’s best teams.

Nigeria’s dominance in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is unmatched, having won 10 of the 13 tournaments since the competition’s inception in 1998.

Government Faces Scrutiny Over Past Promises

While the reward is a welcome gesture, both the Super Falcons and Super Eagles (men’s team) have previously protested over unpaid bonuses and allowances. The government only recently fulfilled  30-year-old promise to provide housing to the 1994 AFCON-winning Super Eagles.

The Super Falcons have also staged sit-in protests, most recently after their performance at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, over pay inequality and delays in payment.

Tinubu Vows Timely Payments Going Forward

President Tinubu reportedly approved match allowances and backdated bonuses before Saturday’s final. He assured the team that such payments would become standard practice to support the growth of sports, particularly women’s football in Nigeria.