Following their recent triumph, Nigeria's Super Falcons were celebrated with cash rewards and national honors, amidst ongoing concerns over delayed payments for athletes.
Nigeria's President Honors Women's Football Team with $100,000 Rewards
Nigeria's President Honors Women's Football Team with $100,000 Rewards
Nigerian President promises $100,000 and new homes to Super Falcons following their WAFCON victory.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu hosted a grand reception at Aso Rock to honor the Super Falcons, the country's women's national football team, following their impressive victory at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon). The players, led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, brought home their 10th Wafcon title after defeating Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling match, marking a significant achievement in African women's football.
During the celebratory event, President Tinubu promised each of the 24 squad members a cash reward of $100,000 (£75,000) and a three-bedroom apartment. This announcement was met with cheers from the players, reflecting a moment of joy amidst a backdrop of historical criticism regarding unfulfilled promises made to athletes by the Nigerian government. Tinubu emphasized the team's victory as a showcase of "courage, determination, and consistency," expressing his pride in their accomplishments.
Upon returning to Abuja, the team received a warm welcome filled with traditional dancers and government officials. In addition to the financial rewards, the president conferred national honors—the Officer of the Order of the Niger—onto each player and staff member, stating this was an expression of gratitude from the nation.
Captain Ajibade dedicated the victory to "every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream," while expressing aspirations for the Super Falcons to become the best team globally, contingent upon continuing support from the football federation and government.
Despite their success, the Super Falcons and their male counterparts, the Super Eagles, have faced persistent issues regarding delayed bonuses and salaries, leading to protests during key tournaments. Notably, the government only recently fulfilled a long-standing promise to provide housing for the Super Eagles after their 1994 victory.
As the Super Falcons bask in their recent glory, concerns over pay equity remain prevalent, with calls to ensure equal compensation for both the men's and women's teams. Ahead of the finals, President Tinubu had reportedly approved match allowances and backdated payments for players, indicating a commitment to establishing standard practices for athlete compensation in the future.
