Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have finally received the outstanding rewards promised by the Federal Government for their historic victory at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with the presentation taking place in Rabat, Morocco, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026—exactly two years after the team lifted the trophy in the same country. The delay in delivering the full package has been a subject of public discourse, with critics questioning the government's commitment to rewarding the nation's sporting heroes, but the presentation at the team's camp hours before their 2026 tournament opener finally put those concerns to rest.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, alongside Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, presented the packages to captain Rasheedat Ajibade and her teammates at the team's camp. The parcels handed over contained the title documents for the three-bedroom houses promised to each squad member, along with their national honours certificates. The rewards fulfil the pledges made by President Bola Tinubu immediately after Nigeria secured a record-extending 10th WAFCON title on July 29, 2024, when the Super Falcons produced one of the greatest comebacks in the tournament's history, recovering from two goals down to defeat host nation Morocco 3-2 in the final.
Following that historic triumph, President Tinubu announced a reward package of $100,000 for each player, $50,000 for every member of the technical crew and backroom staff, a three-bedroom house for every team member, and the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). In addition, the Nigeria Governors' Forum donated ₦360 million to the team. While the cash rewards were paid after administrative processes were completed, the presentation of the housing documents and national honours certificates had been postponed until the team reunited in Morocco for the 2026 championship, creating a two-year gap between the victory and the final delivery of all promised rewards.
Speaking before travelling to Rabat, Dikko explained the reason for the delay, emphasising that the NSC deliberately held back the presentation to ensure the players could receive the documents together. "I am leaving Glasgow for Morocco this week to present keys to the houses, which His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, promised the Super Falcons after they won the last edition of the WAFCON. Even their $100,000 has been paid into their various bank accounts," Dikko said. "We decided to delay the presentation of the keys because we wanted a situation whereby the players would be together. I am sure it will boost their morale ahead of the 2026 WAFCON".
The presentation of the housing documents marks a significant milestone, as the properties are located under the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Housing Estate. The national honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), conferred on each player and coaching staff member, represent one of the country's highest civilian recognitions. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie had earlier received her house documents on Monday, July 27, 2026, in a separate presentation by NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, becoming one of the first members of the squad to receive the property documents, nearly two years after the victory.
In a related development, the NSC has introduced an additional performance-based incentive for the ongoing 2026 WAFCON. Every goal scored by Nigeria during the group stage of the competition will attract a reward of $5,000, with further incentives expected as the tournament progresses. This new bonus structure, confirmed by sources within the Super Falcons camp, aims to further motivate the team as they seek to retain their continental crown. The rewards promised and now delivered—including the cash, houses, and national honours—represent one of the most comprehensive reward packages ever given to a Nigerian national team, reflecting the significance of the Super Falcons' achievement in winning a record-extending 10th African title. However, the two-year gap between the victory and the final delivery of all promised rewards has fuelled ongoing debates about the government's responsiveness in honouring its commitments to the nation's sporting heroes.
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