President Tinubu Confers National Honours on Super Falcons, Awards $100,000, 3-Bedroom Apartments
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on 24 players of Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, along with 11 members of the technical team.
President Tinubu also ordered the allocation of one three-bedroom apartment to each player and technical team member under the government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme. In addition, he approved a cash reward of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each player, and $50,000 equivalent to each technical team member.
This recognition follows Nigeria’s remarkable comeback to defeat host country Morocco 3-2 in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), played at the Stade Olympique de Rabat on Saturday — marking the Super Falcons’ 10th WAFCON title.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian leader honoured the team during a presidential reception held in Abuja on Monday.
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable. You have inspired me, too. And it’s great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you,” President Tinubu said.
He recounted the emotional moments of the final match, noting how the team’s performance lifted the nation’s spirits and united Nigerians from all walks of life. “Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency.
“Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I didn’t want to have high blood pressure. But people came in and turned my TV on that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless. But I was still watching with the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage. And after that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too.
“But you almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner. She doesn’t watch the game except when the girls are playing. And at the end of the final whistle, it was joy all over the country.”
The President assured the team of his administration’s continued support and commitment to sports development, pledging that the government would invest further in women’s football and youth talent development across the country.
“Your story is a story of hope. And in this era of Renewed Hope, we celebrate you not just as champions of Africa, but as champions of the Nigerian dream,” he added.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced a donation of ₦10 million to each player and technical team members on behalf of the 36 state governors.
On her part, the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the Super Falcons as role models and shining examples of courage and excellence.
She congratulated the team for their exceptional performance and unwavering spirit, describing their journey as “a testament to resilience, teamwork, and determination.”
“You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves—that it is not over until it is over. The zeal you displayed on the pitch was nothing short of inspirational. You never wavered and reminded the world why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football,” the First Lady stated.
She prayed for the team’s continued success and recalled a conversation with President Tinubu about the team’s bright future as world champions. “I told Mr. President this morning that you are going on to win the World Cup, and he thought I was too ambitious. But Ajibade, the team captain, just seconded that, and that is possible.”
Speaking on the triumph, Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade dedicated the victory to young Nigerian girls with dreams of greatness.
“Today, I stand before you not just as the captain of the Super Falcons, but as a proud daughter of Nigeria, carrying the dreams, resilience, and spirit of our great nation. On behalf of my teammates, coaches, and technical staff, I express our heartfelt gratitude for this warm reception and the unwavering belief you have shown in us.
“This victory is not just a trophy. It is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Nigeria. It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream. This 10th title is for you, Mr. President, for Nigerians, for Super Falcons, and for every young child who believes and dreams to be on this stage someday,” Ajibade remarked.
She appealed for continued government and stakeholder support to elevate Nigeria’s global standing in women’s football.
Also speaking at the reception, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, described the team’s victory as a symbol of national unity, inspiration, and the triumph of belief, courage, and excellence.
Dikko commended President Tinubu’s administration for investing in sports development and women’s empowerment, saying: “The Super Falcons’ triumph is a fruit of your unwavering support for sports and women. You have always believed that sports can unite us, heal us, and uplift our spirits as one of the major drivers of the economy. And today, we have seen it happen.”
He also applauded the First Lady for her consistent advocacy for women’s sports, reiterating that the win goes beyond sports as it is a powerful symbol of national unity and cohesion.
“In those 90 minutes, Nigerians everywhere from the North, South, East and West held their breath, prayed together, cheered the team, and finally celebrated together. That is the power of sports, and indeed the power of our women in sports,” the NSC boss added.
