By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent, and Rosheedat Akinkunle, Reporter
PRESIDENT BOLA Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s Super Falcons with national awards, luxury housing, and cash rewards following their triumphant 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in Morocco.
Each of the 24 players and 11 technical crew members received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honour during a presidential reception held in their name.
In addition, Tinubu announced the allocation of a three-bedroom apartment to every team member under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme and approved a cash gift of $100,000 in naira equivalent for each player, while technical crew members are to receive $50,000.
The President also described the team’s 10th continental title as a victory that transcended football, symbolising the unity, resilience, and dreams of the Nigerian people.
Recalling the emotional rollercoaster of the final match, he said the Falcons had “ignited hope” and lifted the nation’s spirits.
He revealed how the game stirred personal emotions, from restlessness at the 2–0 scoreline to elation at the final whistle.
“Your mother, the First Lady, was in the kitchen and almost abandoned my dinner. She doesn’t watch games except when the girls are playing,” Tinubu said, drawing laughter from the team.
Promising continued government backing for women’s football, the President pledged greater investments in youth sports development and grassroots talent.
“Your story is a story of hope. In this era of Renewed Hope, we celebrate you not just as champions of Africa, but as champions of the Nigerian dream,” he added.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum further bolstered the celebration with a donation of ₦10 million to each player and technical crew member, announced by its Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu also praised the Falcons as role models and powerful symbols of excellence.
She said their grit and belief were inspirational to young girls across the nation.
“You never wavered and reminded the world why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football,” the First Lady said, noting her own optimism about the team’s potential to win the World Cup.
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade thanked the President and the nation, dedicating the victory to every Nigerian girl with a dream.
She described the title not just as a trophy but as a testament to the unyielding Nigerian spirit.
“This 10th title is for you, Mr. President, for Nigerians, for Super Falcons, and for every young child who believes and dreams to be on this stage someday,” she said.
Ajibade called on the government and stakeholders to maintain their commitment to the women’s game, as the team seeks to elevate Nigeria’s profile on the world stage.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, hailed the Super Falcons’ win as a defining moment of national pride.
He credited the Tinubu administration’s focus on sports and women’s empowerment for fuelling the team’s historic feat. “This win goes beyond sports. It is a powerful symbol of our national unity and cohesion,” he said.
Falcons Trip to Victory
Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a commanding statement of resilience and dominance by defeating hosts Morocco 3–2 to clinch their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Rabat.
Trailing by two goals at half-time, the Nigerian team mounted a remarkable second-half comeback at the Olympic Stadium, turning the contest on its head with three unanswered goals that silenced the home crowd and shattered Morocco’s hopes of a maiden title.
The victory not only extended Nigeria’s record as the most successful team in African women’s football but also dashed Morocco’s dream of lifting the trophy on home soil, marking a second consecutive final loss in front of their own fans.
Also, the Super Falcons’ path to the championship was defined by consistency and character, as they remained unbeaten through six matches, drawing only once.
The tournament campaign was branded “Mission X” by the team, symbolising their pursuit of a historic 10th continental crown.
Abiodun Hails Super Falcons
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria for their remarkable comeback victory over hosts Morocco, securing the nation’s 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in dramatic fashion.
Down 2–0 at half-time in Saturday’s final, the Nigerian team overturned the deficit to win 3–2, reaffirming their dominance as Africa’s most successful women’s football side.
Governor Abiodun, in a message to the players, coaches, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), praised the team’s tenacity, spirit, and exceptional commitment to excellence.
Describing the win as a moment of national pride, the governor said the Super Falcons had not only triumphed on the pitch but also delivered a powerful message of courage and perseverance.
“This remarkable victory is not just a football triumph; it is a powerful symbol of courage, perseverance, and unity,” Abiodun stated.
He highlighted the significance of the performance, calling it an inspiration for millions, especially young girls, who now see a clear path to greatness through discipline and belief.
“The path to this victory was not an easy one. However, with passion, discipline, and sheer willpower, these exceptional women rose above adversity and delivered a performance worthy of champions,” he said.
Governor Abiodun applauded the broader impact of the win, calling it a rallying point for national unity and a milestone for Nigerian sports.
“This historic win serves as a clarion call to every young girl dreaming of breaking barriers. The Super Falcons have proven that with dedication and belief, there are no limits to what can be accomplished,” he added.
The governor also commended the efforts of the NFF and key stakeholders in the development of women’s football, noting that sustained support had been critical to the team’s long-standing success.
He emphasised that the victory represented not only sporting excellence but also a triumph for gender equity and the power of fulfilled dreams.
“This is not just a victory for the Super Falcons; it is a triumph for Nigerian sports, for gender equity in athletics, and for the enduring power of dreams fulfilled through determination,” he concluded.
