The Super Falcons of Nigeria were celebrated in grand style at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted them to a state reception in honor of their historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The team clinched a record-extending 10th continental title with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over hosts Morocco in Rabat.
During the reception, President Tinubu lavished praises on the team, highlighting their fighting spirit and the inspiration they have given to the nation.
He said, “The indomitable spirit of resilience, determination, and courage you displayed lifted the spirit of the entire nation.” The President conferred national honors on the team, awarding each of the 24 players and members of the 11-man technical crew the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
The President also announced significant rewards for the team, including:
Three-bedroom flats in the government’s Renewed Hope Housing Estate for each player and technical crew member
Cash rewards of $100,000 in naira for each player and $50,000 for each member of the technical crew
In a show of solidarity, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced a collective pledge from the governors to award each player and technical staff member ₦10 million.
The grand state reception highlights the federal government’s commitment to rewarding sporting excellence and promoting the development of women’s football in Nigeria.
President Tinubu’s admiration for the team’s triumph was evident in his concluding remarks, “Once again, I congratulate you, and I will continue to pray for you. My spirit is unyielding and will never die. God bless you.”
The Super Falcons’ historic victory has etched them into African football history, inspiring millions of young girls and women across the nation.
The team’s resilience and brilliance in Morocco have earned them a hero’s welcome, and their achievement will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on Nigerian football.
