By Cross Udo, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Monday bestowed national honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on the victorious Super Falcons.
The President also announced the allocation of three-bedroom apartments and a cash prize of $100,000 (approximately ₦153m) to each of the players.
The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) also announced a cash donation of ₦10 million each for the victorious Super Falcons.
Tinubu announced this when he hosted the Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following their landmark victory on Saturday in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final held in Rabat, Morocco.
The President also stated that the 11-member technical team supporting the Super Falcons will receive $50,000 (approximately ₦75.6 million) each in cash awards as a token of appreciation for their contributions.
Welcoming the Super Falcons and the technical crew, the President, in his remarks, said: “Today you return home as champions of Africa, we could not be prouder, and it cannot be more historic. You made us very, very proud.
“You make it a milestone and the history of sport, this is the 10th time Nigeria returned triumphant as the champion of the 2024 women’s African Cup of Nations, WAFCON.
“Your victory represents more than a sports accomplishment; it is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline and consistency.”
On the reason why he didn’t want to watch the match initially, the President said, “Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the game. I didn’t like high blood pressure, but our people came in and turned my TV on to that channel. When it was two zero. I became very offended and restless, but I still watched the indomitable spirit of resilience, determination, and courage.
“And after that penalty, and I saw a two-one, my spirit was lifted. And I believe that the nation was lifted, too.
“But what it almost did was to get me hungrier because your mother (First Lady) was in the kitchen, almost abandoning my dinner. A game that she doesn’t watch, except when the girls are playing, and she keeps running. We have won, I said. We have not yet won. And at the end of the final whistle, it was all excitement all over the country.”
Tinubu said that the victory by the women’s senior team has “inspired millions, especially young girls who now see the proof that their dreams are valid and achievable. You inspired me, too.”
He said the team represented hope, ignited the nation’s hope, adding, “And we will continue to encourage you, encourage the next generation and other generations after you.
“‘I’ve received this trophy on behalf of all Nigerians, and I say to you, thank you for the dedication, thank you for your passion, and thank you for reminding us of the strength of the Nigerian spirit.
“Nothing else could have represented this crucial time, crucial victory. On behalf of the great grateful nation, I hereby confer on the players, the 11-man technical team, the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger.”
In a further show of appreciation, the Chairman of the NGF, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also announced a donation of ₦10 million to each of the players and technical team members on behalf of the 36 state governors.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the Super Falcons as role models and shining examples of courage and excellence.
She congratulated the team for their exceptional performance and unwavering spirit, describing their journey as “a testament to resilience, teamwork, and determination.”
“You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves—that it is not over until it is over.
“The zeal you displayed on the pitch was nothing short of inspirational. You never wavered and reminded the world why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football.”
The First Lady prayed for the team’s continued success and shared an earlier conversation with President Tinubu about the team’s bright future as world champions.
“I told Mr President this morning that you are going on to win the World Cup, and he thought I was too ambitious. But Ajibade, the team captain, just seconded that, and that is possible,” he said.
Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade said the victory was for the team and for every Nigerian girl who dreams of achieving greatness.
“Today, I stand before you not just as the captain of the Super Falcons, but as a proud daughter of Nigeria, carrying the dreams, resilience, and spirit of our great nation,” she said.
“On behalf of my teammates, coaches, and technical staff, I express our heartfelt gratitude for this warm reception and the unwavering belief you have shown in us.”
Emphasising the significance of their 10th WAFCON title, the team captain said:
“This victory is not just a trophy. It is a testament to Nigeria’s unyielding spirit. It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream… This 10th title is for you, Mr President, for Nigerians, for Super Falcons, and for every young child who believes and dreams to be on this stage someday.”
Ajibade called for continued support from the government and stakeholders to elevate Nigeria’s global standing in women’s football.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, described the team’s victory as a symbol of national unity, inspiration, and the triumph of belief, courage, and excellence.
Dikko credited President Tinubu’s administration with investing in sports development and women’s empowerment.
“The Super Falcons’ triumph is a fruit of your unwavering support for sports and women. You have always believed that sports can unite us, heal us, and uplift our spirits as one of the major drivers of the economy. And Today, we have seen it happen,” he stated.
He commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her “constant support for our women in sports.”
“This win goes beyond sports. It is a powerful symbol of our national unity and cohesion. In those 90 minutes, Nigerians from all over the north, south, east, and west held their breath, prayed together, cheered the team, and finally celebrated together.
“That is the power of sports, and indeed the power of our women in sports,” he said.
