ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours, cash gifts and houses on the triumphant Super Falcons in a grand reception at the State House, Abuja, following their historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

In recognition of their record 10th continental title, Tinubu, while receiving the players and coaching crew at the Villa, conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on each member of the victorious squad.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President said also approved the allocation of a three-bedroom apartment for each player and members of the coaching team.

The President further announced monetary rewards, approving the Naira equivalent of $100,000 (approximately N153 million) for each player and $50,000 (N75.6 million), for each member of the coaching crew, totalling a whooping N4,503,600,000.

“I hereby confer on the players, the 11 man technical team with national honours of the Officer of the Order of the Niger.

“Additionally, I have I directed the allocation of three bedroom apartments in the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.

“Then there is the cash award of the Naira equivalent of $100,000 US dollars each 24 players and the naira equivalent of $50,000 to the 11-man technical crew.

“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable.

“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,” Tinubu said amid cheers from the jubilant team.

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.

”She doesn’t watch the game except when the girls are playing. And at the end of the final whistle, it was joy all over the country,” 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.

In an additional show of appreciation, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced a collective gesture from the 36 state governors, pledging N10 million to each member of the team.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the Super Falcons as role models and shining examples of courage and excellence.

She congratulated the team for their exceptional performance and unwavering spirit, describing their journey as “a testament to resilience, teamwork, and determination.”

“You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves—that it is not over until it is over.

“The zeal you displayed on the pitch was nothing short of inspirational. You never wavered and reminded the world why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football”, she said.

The First Lady prayed for the team’s continued success and shared an earlier conversation with President Tinubu about the team’s bright future as world champions.

“I told Mr. President this morning that you are going on to win the World Cup, and he thought I was too ambitious. But Ajibade, the team captain, just seconded that, and that is possible”, she said.

Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade said the victory was for the team and for every Nigerian girl who dreams of achieving greatness.

“Today, I stand before you not just as the captain of the Super Falcons, but as a proud daughter of Nigeria, carrying the dreams, resilience, and spirit of our great nation”, she said.

“On behalf of my teammates, coaches, and technical staff, I express our heartfelt gratitude for this warm reception and the unwavering belief you have shown in us”, she said.

Emphasising the significance of their 10th WAFCON title, the team captain said:

“This victory is not just a trophy. It is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Nigeria. It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream… This 10th title is for you, Mr. President, for Nigerians, for Super Falcons, and for every young child who believes and dreams to be on this stage someday”.

Ajibade called for continued support from the government and stakeholders to elevate Nigeria’s global standing in women’s football.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described the team’s victory as a symbol of national unity, inspiration, and the triumph of belief, courage, and excellence.

Dikko credited President Tinubu’s administration with investing in sports development and women’s empowerment.

“The Super Falcons’ triumph is a fruit of your unwavering support for sports and women. You have always believed that sports can unite us, heal us, and uplift our spirits as one of the major drivers of the economy. And today, we have seen it happen”, he stated.

He commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her “constant support for our women in sports”.

“This win goes beyond sports. It is a powerful symbol of our national unity and cohesion. In those 90 minutes, Nigerians everywhere from the north, south, east and west held their breath, prayed together, cheered the team, and finally celebrated together.

“’That is the power of sports, and indeed the power of our women in sports”, he said.