President Tinubu Receives the WAFCON Trophy from the Super Falcons
In a moment of pride and celebration for the nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially received the triumphant Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, following their thrilling victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The team, led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade and vice-captain Chiamaka Nnadozie, presented the prestigious trophy to President Tinubu and the First Lady in a symbolic moment that resonated with millions of Nigerians. The Super Falcons had stunned host nation Morocco with a 3–2 comeback win in Rabat, clinching Nigeria’s 12th WAFCON title. National Honours Bestowed President Tinubu conferred the national title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and the entire 11-member coaching and technical crew. The recognition, he said, was not only for their victory but also for their demonstration of courage, unity, and national pride. “You have shown us what it means to never give up. Your win is a story of resilience and hope for every Nigerian, especially our young girls,” Tinubu said during the ceremony. A Generous Reward Package In one of the most generous reward gestures in recent sporting history, the President announced a robust package for the team: ₦150 million (≈ $100,000) each to all players ₦75 million (≈ $50,000) each to technical and backroom staff A fully furnished 3-bedroom apartment in the federal Renewed Hope Housing Estate, Abuja, for every team member and staff An additional ₦10 million gift per player from the 36 state governors, announced through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. Falcons React with Gratitude Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade thanked the President for the honour and rewards, expressing appreciation on behalf of her teammates. “This means more than just money or medals. It’s a message to every girl in Nigeria that dreams do come true. Thank you, Mr. President, for believing in us,” she said. A New Era for Women’s Football? The lavish reward has reignited conversation around investment in women’s sports. Sports analysts and fans alike praised the President’s gesture as not just symbolic, but potentially transformative. Observers also noted that this is the first time in nearly three decades that a Nigerian president has conferred such a high-level honour on a female sports team, signaling what could be a new era of government-backed female athletic empowerment.

