By Sola Ojewusi
Abuja, Nigeria – July 28, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday rolled out a grand welcome ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to celebrate the triumphant Super Falcons of Nigeria, following their historic victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The team, which clinched Nigeria’s record-extending 10th WAFCON title in dramatic fashion, was showered with generous rewards, national honours, and heartfelt commendations from the Nigerian leader.
In a colourful reception attended by top government officials, football stakeholders, diplomats, and jubilant fans, President Tinubu described the Super Falcons as “true daughters of Nigeria” and “worthy ambassadors who have once again brought honour, pride, and global attention to our great nation.”
To reward the players’ dedication, resilience, and outstanding performance, President Tinubu announced a comprehensive package for each member of the squad:
- $100,000 in cash
- A fully furnished three-bedroom apartment in Abuja
- The national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR)
“I am proud to announce that each of you, our champions, will receive $100,000, a three-bedroom home in the capital city, and the national honour of OFR for your heroic efforts. You have proven that the Nigerian spirit is one of unyielding courage, unity, and excellence,” the President declared to thunderous applause.
The largesse extended to the team’s technical crew and officials as well. Each member of the technical team received:
- $50,000 in cash
- A three-bedroom house in Abuja
- A national honour
In praising the staff, the President said: “Behind every victorious team is a brilliant technical bench. You have shown professionalism and discipline. This reward is as much a thank you as it is a challenge to continue leading our sports to greater heights.”
The Super Falcons’ victory was particularly dramatic, as the team mounted a comeback from two goals down to defeat host nation Morocco 3-2 in a pulsating final in Rabat. Esther Okoronkwo, who scored a penalty and assisted in the equaliser, was hailed as one of the heroines of the night. Folashade Ijamilusi’s equaliser and the team’s resilience were also specially acknowledged.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, and NFF President Ibrahim Gusau were also in attendance, with the First Lady noting that “the Super Falcons have redefined what it means to be a Nigerian woman – bold, talented, and unstoppable.”
The President pledged continued government support for women’s football and Nigerian sports in general, promising that infrastructure, training support, and welfare packages will be improved for future competitions.
As the national anthem echoed across the villa and the green-white-green flag fluttered proudly, the atmosphere was thick with patriotic pride, gratitude, and renewed optimism for Nigerian football.
With this gesture, President Tinubu has sent a strong signal that excellence, especially by women in sports, will be honoured, encouraged, and immortalised.
