Nigeria's Super Falcons Celebrate Victory with Promised Rewards

In a grand celebration at Aso Rock, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu announced that each player of the victorious Super Falcons football team will receive $100,000 along with a three-bedroom apartment. Despite past criticisms over unfulfilled promises regarding bonuses, the team was met with overwhelming joy after their remarkable comeback victory over Morocco in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria's women's national football team, the Super Falcons, returned home to a rapturous welcome following their stunning victory at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) held in Morocco. President Bola Tinubu hosted the team at the presidential residence, Aso Rock, where he pledged a generous reward of $100,000 (approximately £75,000) to each player, along with three-bedroom apartments for the entire 24-woman squad.

The players celebrated their triumph after defeating the Moroccan team 3-2, securing their 10th Wafcon title. Tinubu praised the team's "courage, determination, and consistency," recalling the stress he felt during the match. "Today, you returned home as champions of Africa. We could not be prouder," he declared.

Upon arrival at Abuja's main airport, traditional dancers, drummers, and government officials greeted the team in a festive atmosphere. To honor their achievements, the president bestowed the Officer of the Order of the Niger on all players and staff members, stating this recognition was "on behalf of a grateful nation."

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade remarked that their win symbolizes hope for "every young girl in our villages, towns and cities who dares to dream," while pledging to strive for the Super Falcons to be the best team in the world, emphasizing the need for ongoing support from the football federation and government.

The Super Falcons' recent victory continues a impressive legacy, as they have claimed 10 of the 13 Wafcon titles since its inception in 1998. However, there have been historical concerns regarding delayed payments and bonuses for both men and women's teams in Nigeria. Past experiences with unfulfilled promises have sparked skepticism, but Tinubu assured the team that match allowances and bonuses, including backdated payments, will be prioritized in the future.

As calls for equitable pay between the women’s team and the men’s Super Eagles echo through the football community, the Super Falcons' win represents a potential turning point for women's sports in Nigeria, a victory that resonates both on the field and in society.