President Bola Tinubu has fulfilled his promise to reward members of Nigeria’s senior women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, with the naira equivalent of $100,000 each following their historic victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The players have started receiving payments estimated at approximately ₦140 million each, according to an announcement by the National Sports Commission (NSC) on November 2, 2026.
The development represents the fulfilment of the financial commitment made by the President after Nigeria secured its record-extending 10th continental women’s football championship.
According to the NSC, the payment is intended to recognise the team’s achievement and reward sporting excellence.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission.
The Super Falcons achieved the historic victory on July 26, 2025, after defeating host nation Morocco 3–2 in a dramatic final played in Rabat.
The Nigerian team produced an impressive comeback after falling two goals behind during the first half of the encounter.
Morocco initially took control of the match, putting the home side in a strong position to claim its first WAFCON title.
However, Nigeria responded strongly in the second half, demonstrating determination and attacking quality to turn the game around.
Esther Okoronkwo reduced the deficit by converting a penalty in the 64th minute. Seven minutes later, she provided the assist for Folashade Ijamilusi, who scored the equalising goal.
Substitute Jennifer Echegini then completed the comeback with an 88th-minute winner, securing Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON championship.
The victory further strengthened the Super Falcons’ position as the most successful national team in the history of the women’s continental competition.
Players welcome fulfilment of presidential promise
The financial reward has been welcomed by the players, with team captain Rasheedat Ajibade expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for honouring his commitment.
The NSC said the payment reflects the government’s intention to recognise athletes who represent Nigeria successfully in international competitions.
The commission also noted that the reward forms part of wider efforts to improve athlete welfare and encourage excellence across Nigerian sports.
For the Super Falcons, the payment is particularly significant because financial rewards and outstanding bonuses have remained important issues in discussions about the welfare of national team players.
The Nigerian women’s team has previously experienced disputes over allowances, bonuses and other entitlements, making the fulfilment of the latest commitment an important development.
Housing and national honours also included
The cash reward is not the only recognition promised to the players following their continental triumph.
The Federal Government had also promised members of the team three-bedroom apartments in Abuja and national honours.
According to the National Sports Commission, the players had earlier received title documents for the apartments and certificates recognising their national honours as Officers of the Order of the Niger (OON).
The package was designed to recognise the players’ contributions to Nigerian football and their achievement on the African stage.
Government extends athlete reward programme
The Super Falcons’ payment follows a similar reward arrangement for Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, after their victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
D’Tigress defeated Mali 78–64 in the final on August 3, 2025, to win their fifth consecutive AfroBasket championship and seventh overall.
The government subsequently promised each player $100,000, three-bedroom apartments in Abuja and national honours.
The NSC confirmed in September 2026 that the cash component of the promise had been paid to D’Tigress players, while team officials received $50,000 each.
The fulfilment of these commitments is expected to strengthen confidence among Nigerian athletes and encourage greater dedication to representing the country internationally.
However, stakeholders will continue to look towards consistent investment in sports infrastructure, coaching, grassroots development and athlete welfare.
The Super Falcons’ latest reward is another recognition of their contribution to Nigerian sports and their remarkable achievement in African women’s football.
As Nigeria continues to pursue success in international competitions, sustained support and timely fulfilment of promises will remain important to building a stronger sporting environment.
