Weeks after their triumphant victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, the Super Falcons are yet to receive the $100,000 cash reward and other incentives publicly pledged by the Federal Government — a delay that raises serious questions about the country’s treatment of its sports heroes.
Speaking in a candid interview with Chude Jideonwo, team captain Rasheedat Ajibade confirmed that the government has failed to honor its commitments.
“We have not received our money, but hopefully, it would be paid. They have not paid — all the promises, we have not received anything,” Ajibade lamented.
The $100,000 reward, alongside other promised benefits, was announced amid national celebrations when the Falcons brought home the WAFCON trophy, reaffirming Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football. However, this goodwill appears to have been replaced by government inaction, leaving the players — who sacrificed time, energy, and health for national glory — feeling abandoned.
Sports analysts say this delay is part of a recurring pattern in Nigeria, where athletes are celebrated with grand speeches and photo opportunities but later neglected when it comes to fulfilling financial and welfare commitments. Critics argue that such treatment not only dampens player morale but also undermines the nation’s credibility in honoring agreements.
“It is disgraceful that the same government which basked in the glory of the Falcons’ victory is now dragging its feet on delivering what it promised. This is not just about money — it’s about respect for those who carry our flag with pride,” one sports commentator told Stone Reporters News.
The Ministry of Sports Development has yet to issue an official statement explaining the delay, fueling speculation about budget mismanagement and misplaced priorities. For many Nigerians, this controversy reinforces the urgent need for transparency and accountability in sports administration.
As the Super Falcons continue to train and represent the nation, their reward — promised in front of cameras and the public — remains trapped in bureaucratic silence. The players, and millions of fans, are still waiting.
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