President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has bestowed national honours, generous cash rewards, and brand-new homes upon the triumphant Super Falcons, celebrating their remarkable conquest on the continental stage.
The grand occasion unfolded at the State House in Abuja yesterday, where the team was received in a ceremony befitting champions, following their historic triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco on Sunday night.
They defeated the host team 3-2, coming from 0-2 down.
In tribute to their unprecedented 10th WAFCON title—a feat that etched their names in African football history—President Tinubu conferred upon each player and member of the coaching staff the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), marking a proud and memorable chapter in the nation’s sporting legacy.
They also got three bedroom apartment each at the Renewed Hope Initiative Housing Estate and equivalent of $100,000 for the 24 players and $50,000 equivalent for the 11 officials
The ceremony was attended by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Abdul Ningi.
The team was led to the Villa by National Sports Commission (NSC) chairman SHehu Dikko.
The President told the players: “You have inspired me, too. And it’s great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after.
“You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you”
The President recounted the emotional moments of the final match, noting how the team’s performance lifted the nation’s spirits and united Nigerians from all walks of life.
“Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency.
“Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I didn’t want to have high blood pressure. But people came in and turned my TV on that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless.
“But I was still watching with the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage. And after that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too.
“But you almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner,’’ he said.
The President assured the team of his administration’s continued support and commitment to sports development, pledging that the government would invest further in women’s football and youth talent development across the country.
“Your story is a story of hope. And in this era of Renewed Hope, we celebrate you not just as champions of Africa, but as champions of the Nigerian dream”, he said.
