By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours, cash rewards and housing gifts on the triumphant Super Falcons following their historic 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Morocco, in a grand reception that celebrated the nation’s finest in women’s football.
The jubilant scene at the Presidential Villa on Monday witnessed the 24 players and 11 technical crew members each decorated with the national title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), as the President praised the team for lifting the nation’s spirit and inspiring a new generation of Nigerian girls.
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable. You ignited hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you,” Tinubu declared, visibly moved by the team’s heroic feat.
In addition to the national honour, President Tinubu announced the allocation of a three-bedroom apartment to every player and crew member under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
He also approved cash awards of the naira equivalent of $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for each technical official, in what has been described as one of the most generous government gestures in Nigerian sporting history.
In a lighter but heartfelt moment, the President recounted how the Super Falcons’ dramatic performance affected his household.
“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… But you almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner,” he joked, drawing laughter from the audience.
The celebration not only marked a sporting milestone but also reinforced President Tinubu’s commitment to youth and sports development.
In his words, “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.”
The celebration was further amplified as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, announced a ₦10 million donation to each team member on behalf of the 36 state governors.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised the players as symbols of courage, resilience and excellence.
“You never wavered and reminded the world why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football,” she said, adding her own bold prediction of a World Cup win in the team’s near future—one echoed by team captain Rasheedat Ajibade.
Ajibade, speaking on behalf of the squad, dedicated the team’s 10th WAFCON title to Nigerian girls across the country.
“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 said, urging the government and stakeholders to continue investing in women’s football.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, hailed the team’s triumph as a potent emblem of national unity and the fruits of consistent investment in sports and women’s empowerment.
“In those 90 minutes, Nigerians everywhere… held their breath, prayed together, cheered the team, and finally celebrated together,” he said.
