PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday honoured the Super Falcons for winning their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.
At the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, Tinubu conferred national honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on the team and technical crew.
Each player received $100,000, while each of the 11-person technical crew was awarded $50,000 and a three-bedroom flat in the Renewed Hope Estate, Abuja.
The President, joined by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and top officials, commended the team for their performance and dedication to the nation’s pride.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, I confer on the players and technical crew the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
“Each player and crew member is also allocated a three-bedroom apartment in the Renewed Hope Estate, located in Abuja.
“Additionally, each player receives the naira equivalent of $100,000, and each crew member receives $50,000 in recognition of their hard work.
“Thank you once again. I congratulate you all for this outstanding achievement,” he said.
Tinubu praised the Falcons’ unity and consistency, describing their success as a significant milestone for Nigeria.
“I warmly welcome you all. You return home as African champions. This is a proud and historic moment for Nigeria.
“You have made us proud. Winning a tenth WAFCON title is no small feat. Your legacy in African football is now firmly established.
“Your triumph reflects courage, discipline, and resilience. It goes beyond sports—it is a symbol of national excellence,” the President said.
Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, announced N10 million for each player on behalf of his colleagues.
Also, Mrs Tinubu lauded the President’s support for sports development and the welfare of Nigerian athletes.
“I sincerely thank Mr President for receiving the team and for showing consistent support for Nigerian sports and its future,” she said.
She expressed her optimism for future global victories, including winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“I told the President that the Falcons will win the World Cup, though he thinks I might be overly ambitious,” he said.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade thanked Nigerians and urged for stronger institutional support for the team’s future.
“We ask for the continued support of the NFF, NSC, and Federal Government to help us reach even greater heights.
“With your backing, we can access world-class training facilities and create opportunities for future Super Falcons,” she said.
Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie presented the WAFCON trophy to President Tinubu during the reception ceremony.
Each player and crew member shook hands with the President and participated in a group photograph at the State House.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, applauded the Falcons’ team spirit and praised Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Sports Agenda’.
The event was attended by ministers, sports officials, and dignitaries, all gathered to celebrate the historic achievement.
The team moved straight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the Presidential Villa for the reception, seen as deeply motivational. (NAN)
