By Prosper Mene
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu celebrated Nigeria’s Super Falcons in grand style on Monday, conferring the prestigious national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and the technical crew for their historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Morocco.
The team, led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, secured a thrilling 3-2 comeback win against hosts Morocco in Rabat on Saturday, reaffirming their dominance as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.
During a reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, attended by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President’s wife Nana Shettima, and top government officials, President Tinubu announced substantial rewards to honor the team’s resilience and national pride. Each player will receive a three-bedroom apartment in the Renewed Hope Housing Estate and a cash award equivalent to $100,000 in naira (approximately N153 million). The 11-member technical crew will also be awarded three-bedroom apartments and $50,000 each (approximately N75.6 million).“Your indomitable spirit of resilience, determination, and courage has lifted the spirit of the entire nation,” Tinubu said, praising the team’s dramatic comeback from a 2-0 deficit, sealed by goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and a stunning late free kick by Jennifer Echegini. “You have not only won a trophy but inspired millions, especially young girls, who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable.”
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, complemented the President’s gesture by donating N10 million to each player and technical crew member. The ceremony also saw the team present the glittering WAFCON trophy to President Tinubu, fulfilling a promise made during a post-match video call where he pledged to host them.The Super Falcons’ victory, marked by standout performances from Rasheedat Ajibade (named Player of the Tournament), Esther Okoronkwo, Chiamaka Nnadozie (Best Goalkeeper), and Michelle Alozie, who all made the WAFCON Best XI, has ignited widespread celebrations across Nigeria. Their triumph shows the team’s legacy, having now won four of the last five WAFCON titles (2014, 2016, 2018, and 2024).
Tinubu lauded the team’s sportsmanship, particularly their compassionate visit to injured South African player Gabriela Salgado after the semi-final, calling it a reflection of “shared humanity and empathy.” He added, “The Super Falcons have proven, once again, that Nigeria is unstoppable when we stand united.”
The reception showed the administration’s commitment to rewarding excellence in sports and advancing athlete welfare, with Tinubu noting that the team’s success has reignited national pride.
