President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as an unmatched display of national appreciation following the Super Falcons’ victorious campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The Falcons defeated hosts Morocco 3–2 in a gripping final on Saturday, July 27, to clinch their record-extending 10th continental title.
Upon their return to Nigeria on Monday, July 28, the entire squad and coaching crew were hosted at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where President Tinubu stunned the team with cash gifts and national honours. Each player received $100,000 (₦153 million), while the 11-man technical team was rewarded with $50,000 each (₦76.75 million). In addition, all members of the squad were granted three-bedroom apartments at the Renewed Hope Estate, Abuja.
The President also conferred on the players and officials the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), making them the first women’s football team in Nigerian history to be so decorated by a sitting President. Gusau, overwhelmed with gratitude, called the gesture a turning point for women’s football and a national statement that the girl-child matters.
“What Mr. President has done today is without precedent in our history. This moment will forever be a reference point. He didn’t just reward excellence, he empowered a generation. It’s now clear that our women can dream big — and the nation will stand behind them,” Gusau declared.
He emphasized that beyond the football field, this recognition will motivate thousands of young girls across the country to pursue their dreams with boldness, knowing that their achievements will not go unnoticed. “This is more than football,” he said. “It’s about giving hope, about validation, about showing the Nigerian girl-child that excellence is worth celebrating.”
The Super Falcons’ WAFCON 2024 campaign was marked by resilience, especially in the final where they overturned a two-goal deficit. Their comeback spirit captivated millions across the continent and restored faith in the power of sports to unite and inspire.
With this unprecedented recognition and financial windfall from the federal government, the Super Falcons have not only returned home as champions but as powerful ambassadors of possibility for Nigerian youth — and a living proof that the future of women’s football in Africa is blazing bright.
