**Super Falcons Chief Seeks Continued Support for Future Success as Team Gains National Recognition**
**Nigerian Women Footballers Celebrate Wafcon Victory with Promised Rewards**
**Nigerian Women Footballers Celebrate Wafcon Victory with Promised Rewards**
**Governor Tinubu's Generous Offer of $100,000 and Homes Aims to Deliver on Past Promises**
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu hosted the women's national football team, the Super Falcons, at a celebratory reception at Aso Rock, congratulating them for clinching their tenth Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title. Following their stunning victory over Morocco, where they won 3-2 in a nail-biting comeback, he pledged each player a reward of $100,000 and a new three-bedroom apartment. The announcement was met with cheers from the 24-member squad, despite lingering skepticism over the fulfillment of similar promises made to athletes in the past.
During the reception, President Tinubu praised the team for their "triumph of courage, determination, and consistency," expressing pride as they returned as champions of Africa. The celebration included a grand welcome for the players upon their arrival in Abuja, featuring traditional dances and a convoy to the presidential residence. Alongside cash rewards, the president conferred national honors on the players and staff, emphasizing the country’s appreciation for their achievements.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade dedicated the team's victory to "every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream," while also stressing the need for ongoing support from both the football federation and the government. Notably, the Super Falcons have dominated Wafcon, securing ten titles since the tournament's inception in 1998. However, with a history of delayed payments and pay disparities, they have faced numerous challenges, including protests over pay issues after participating in major tournaments.
In light of their recent success, there are calls for the necessary reforms to ensure that players receive equitable compensation akin to their male counterparts in the Super Eagles, who themselves had faced delays in promised rewards. As the nation rallies around the victorious team, President Tinubu vowed to institute practices that prioritize timely bonuses and allowances for future endeavors in Nigerian football.
