President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday rolled out massive honours and rewards for Nigeria’s Super Falcons following their remarkable victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
At a special reception held at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu conferred on each of the 24 players the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). In addition to this prestigious recognition, he also announced a three-bedroom apartment and a cash reward of $100,000 for each player, describing their triumph as a “national inspiration.”
The technical crew wasn’t left out of the celebration, as the President gifted $50,000 to each member of the coaching staff for their tactical brilliance and leadership throughout the tournament.
The grand ceremony came just days after the team’s stunning 3–2 comeback win over hosts Morocco in Rabat, a final dubbed #MissionX in celebration of the Super Falcons’ 10th WAFCON title. Nigeria had gone two goals down in the first half before staging an incredible turnaround, powered by standout performances from Esther Okoronkwo, Flourish Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini.
Four Super Falcons players — Rasheedat Ajibade (MVP), Chiamaka Nnadozie (Best Goalkeeper), Michelle Alozie, and Esther Okoronkwo — were also named in the CAF Team of the Tournament, further underlining the team’s dominance.
Addressing the team, Tinubu praised their performance and unity:
“The Super Falcons have lifted the spirit of our nation and proven, once again, that Nigeria is unstoppable when we stand united. Your resilience, skill, and teamwork have brought honour to our country and inspired a new generation of young Nigerians.”
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He also highlighted the government’s renewed commitment to women’s sports development, promising greater support, funding, and visibility for female athletes across all disciplines.
The President also directed the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to ensure the continued welfare of the players, and emphasized that such extraordinary national achievements should not go uncelebrated.
The Super Falcons’ victory parade in Abuja earlier in the day drew thousands of fans, who lined major roads including Airport Road, Berger Junction, Maitama, and Wuse Market, celebrating the team’s heroic return.
The 2024 WAFCON win marks Nigeria’s first continental title in six years, restoring the team’s dominance in African women’s football and setting the stage for renewed preparations ahead of upcoming global tournaments, including the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.