President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday showered the Super Falcons’ players and staff with national honours and life-changing cash prizes following their successful sojourn at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Afrosport reports.
The Super Falcons claimed a historic 10th WAFCON title after coming from behind to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final in Rabat on Saturday.
Tinubu received the players and the technical team in a grand event at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, following their return from Morocco.
The President conferred honours of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on the Super Falcons and the technical crew. He also announced the allocation of three-bedroom apartments in the Federal Capital Territory to each member of the team at the Renewed Hope Estate.
President Tinubu also announced a cash reward of $100,000 each to the 24 players that represented Nigeria at the WAFCON, while the 11-member technical crew will each receive $50,000.
“I hereby conferred on the players, the 11-man technical team, with national honours of the Officer of the Order of the Niger,” he stated. “I have directed the allocation of three-bedroom apartments in the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
“In addition, there is the cash award of the naira equivalent of USD100,000 to each 24 players and the naira equivalent of USD50,000 to the 11-man technical crew.
The President also pledged his continued support to the team and assured the players that his administration will ensure sustained growth and development in women’s football and youth talent development across the country.
“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.”
“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 also touched on the emotional aspect of the final, recounting the key period of the game and its effect on him and the whole country.
“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.”
Meanwhile, further cash prizes were awarded to the Super Falcons. The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced an extra ₦10 million to each of the players and technical team members on behalf of the 36 state governors.
