President Bola Tinubu rolled out a red-carpet reception for Nigeria’s triumphant Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, showering them with historic rewards after their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory. The team received:
✔ National Honours – All 24 players and 11 technical crew members decorated as Officers of the Order of the Niger (OON)
✔ Cash Bonuses – $100,000 (≈₦150m) per player, $50,000 (≈₦75m) per coach
✔ Luxury Homes – Three-bedroom apartments in Abuja’s Renewed Hope Estate
✔ Governors’ Donation – ₦10m each from the 36 state governors
Tinubu praised the Falcons for uniting Nigeria and inspiring young girls, joking about his tense moments during the final: “I didn’t want high blood pressure… but you lifted the nation!”
Why This Matters
• Sports Investment – Signals Tinubu’s commitment to women’s football
• Youth Inspiration – Reinforces football as a viable career path
• Economic Debate – Sparks discussion on sports vs. social spending
Key Quotes
→ Tinubu: “You’re not just African champions—you’re champions of the Nigerian dream.”
→ First Lady: “I told the President you’ll win the World Cup!”
→ Captain Ajibade: “This trophy is for every Nigerian girl who dares to dream.”
What Next?
→ World Cup Prep – Falcons shift focus to 2027 global tournament
→ Housing Timeline – FG to fast-track property allocations
→ Grassroots Impact – States urged to replicate rewards for local athletes
