President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has showered Nigeria’s Super Falcons with praise and substantial rewards following their dramatic 3–2 comeback victory over host nation Morocco to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for a record-extending 10th time.
At a state reception on Monday in Abuja, Tinubu announced generous cash gifts of $100,000 for each of the 24 players and $50,000 for each of the 11 team officials. The president hailed the team’s resilience and brilliance in overturning a two-goal deficit during Saturday’s final.
Beyond the financial windfall, Tinubu conferred national honors on all players, naming each an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)—one of Nigeria’s highest civilian awards. He also announced that every player would receive a home in the Renewed Hope Estate, a flagship government housing initiative.
In a show of unified national support, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) followed suit, awarding an additional N10 million to each team member and official.
Morocco stunned early with goals from Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy. But Nigeria’s response was electrifying. Esther Okoronkwo converted a crucial penalty and later set up Folashade Ijamilusi for the equalizer. Jennifer Echegini sealed the win with a late free kick, sending fans into a frenzy and confirming Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.
Four Super Falcons stars made the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Team of the Tournament:
• Rasheedat Ajibade – Woman of the Match (3 times), Best Player of the Tournament
• Esther Okoronkwo – 2 goals, 4 assists, including key plays in the final
• Michelle Alozie – Defensive standout with a critical semi-final goal
• Chiamaka Nnadozie – Best Goalkeeper with 4 clean sheets
Players from Morocco, South Africa, and Ghana also featured in the all-star lineup.
With this victory, the Super Falcons remain Africa’s most decorated women’s football team—now bolstered by national recognition, financial support, and widespread admiration.
