In a celebration worthy of champions, President Bola Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s victorious Super Falcons with a grand gesture of national appreciation following their historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title win in July 2025.
During a special reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President conferred the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and the 11-man technical crew. But that was just the beginning.
As part of the reward for their outstanding feat, each player and technical crew member will receive a fully furnished three-bedroom apartment in Abuja’s Renewed Hope Housing Estate. In addition, the players will each receive a cash reward equivalent to $100,000, while technical crew members will get $50,000 each—all in naira.
A Nation United in Pride
President Tinubu, visibly moved by the team’s heroics, commended the Falcons for lifting the nation’s spirits and uniting Nigerians across all divides.
“Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency,” the President said.
He humorously recalled the tension of watching the final match.
“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. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless,” he shared, drawing laughter from guests.
The President emphasized that the Falcons had become a symbol of hope for millions—especially young Nigerian girls who now see their dreams as valid and achievable.
“You have inspired me, too. It’s great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope.”
First Lady and Super Falcons Captain Speak from the Heart
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, praised the team for their unshakable belief and never-say-die attitude.
“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,” she said.
She also shared a hopeful vision for the team’s future on the global stage.
“I told Mr. President this morning that you are going on to win the World Cup. He thought I was too ambitious. But Captain Ajibade just seconded that, and I believe it’s possible.”
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, beaming with pride, dedicated the victory to every Nigerian girl who dreams of greatness.
“This victory is not just a trophy. It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream.”
She called on the government and all stakeholders to continue supporting women’s football, urging for even more investment to elevate Nigeria’s global standing.
A Win That Goes Beyond Football
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, hailed the Super Falcons’ triumph as a symbol of unity, courage, and national pride. He credited President Tinubu’s administration for prioritizing sports and empowering women.
“This win goes beyond sports. In those 90 minutes, Nigerians everywhere—from north to south, east to west—held their breath, prayed together, cheered, and celebrated together. That is the power of sports, and indeed the power of our women in sports.”
He also praised the First Lady for her unwavering support of women athletes.
A New Era for Women’s Football in Nigeria?
This moment marks a significant turning point—not just in women’s football—but in how female athletes are celebrated and rewarded in Nigeria. With their record 10th WAFCON title, the Super Falcons have once again cemented their legacy. But even more importantly, they’ve inspired a new generation of girls to believe, play, and dream.
From accolades to apartments, and from cash rewards to national pride, the Super Falcons are getting the flowers they’ve long deserved. And with the support of the nation behind them, the world stage may soon be next.
Watch this space—because the Super Falcons are not done flying yet.
