Nigerian Super Falcons Celebrate Wafcon Victory with Promised Rewards and National Honors

The Nigerian women's football team, Super Falcons, celebrated their Women's Africa Cup of Nations victory, receiving a promise of $100,000 each and accolades from President Tinubu. Amid past criticism of unfulfilled rewards, players voiced aspirations for future success and equal pay.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu hosted a grand reception on Monday to honor the country's women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, after their triumphant victory at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco. The president announced that each of the 24 squad members would receive a reward of $100,000 (£75,000) and a three-bedroom apartment, eliciting cheers from the jubilant athletes.

The Super Falcons secured their historic win by beating Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling second half during Saturday's finals, marking the team's 10th Wafcon title. President Tinubu commended their resilience, stating that their achievement is a testament to their "courage, determination, and consistency." He expressed pride in their accomplishments, saying, "Today, you returned home as champions of Africa."

The players were met with a festive welcome upon their return to Abuja, complete with traditional dancers, drummers, and government officials celebrating their success. During the ceremony, Tinubu also awarded all players and staff the Officer of the Order of the Niger, acknowledging their contributions to the nation's pride.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade emphasized the significance of their victory for aspiring female athletes, stating it was a message to "every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream." She expressed hopes for the Super Falcons to become the best team globally, contingent upon continued support from the Nigerian Football Federation and the government.

Despite the celebration, there are lingering concerns about delayed payments and bonuses that have plagued Nigeria's national teams. In light of the new victory, there is cautious optimism regarding promises from the government. Recent frustrations have included past payment issues that led the women's national team to conduct sit-in protests during major tournaments, including during the 2023 Women's World Cup.

President Tinubu's previous administration had recently addressed longstanding commitments by honoring the Super Eagles, the men's team, with homes, which had been promised three decades prior. This victory for the Super Falcons arrives alongside advocacy for equal pay between the men's and women's teams, as fans have increasingly called for fair financial treatment for female athletes.

As the Super Falcons bask in their well-deserved accolades, President Tinubu's promises signal a pledge to improve the treatment of women in sports, aiming to ensure that such achievements are celebrated equitably in the future.