In a vibrant ceremony at the presidential residence, President Tinubu welcomed the Super Falcons back from Morocco after their impressive 3-2 comeback win against the host nation, clinching Nigeria's 10th Wafcon title. Expressing his pride, Tinubu described the victory as a significant testament to the team's courage and determination. He assured that each of the 24 players would receive a $100,000 cash prize, alongside three-bedroom apartments, a gesture met with cheers from the jubilant squad.
Despite the festive atmosphere, the history of unfulfilled promises by Nigerian authorities regarding rewards for sports achievements loomed over the celebration. In recent past, both men's and women’s national teams have faced delays in receiving bonuses and salaries, with the men’s Super Eagles finally receiving promised homes from their 1994 Africa Cup of Nations win only recently.
At the reception, all players and coaching staff were honored with national accolades, the Officer of the Order of the Niger, symbolizing the nation's pride in the team's achievements. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade emphasized that their victory represents hope for young girls across Nigeria and expressed her aspiration for the Super Falcons to reach the pinnacle of world football—achievements she believes are contingent on consistent support from the country's football federation and the government.
Although the president’s recent pledge signifies a step toward fostering sports growth in Nigeria, concerns over pay equity between the Super Falcons and Super Eagles remain. Prior to the tournament, President Tinubu had reportedly approved back payments and match allowances, raising hopes that future practices would ensure timely compensation for the athletes.
As the Super Falcons bask in the glory of their win, fans and observers eagerly await the government's follow-through on the promised rewards, hopeful that this victory might herald a new era of support for women’s sports in Nigeria.
Despite the festive atmosphere, the history of unfulfilled promises by Nigerian authorities regarding rewards for sports achievements loomed over the celebration. In recent past, both men's and women’s national teams have faced delays in receiving bonuses and salaries, with the men’s Super Eagles finally receiving promised homes from their 1994 Africa Cup of Nations win only recently.
At the reception, all players and coaching staff were honored with national accolades, the Officer of the Order of the Niger, symbolizing the nation's pride in the team's achievements. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade emphasized that their victory represents hope for young girls across Nigeria and expressed her aspiration for the Super Falcons to reach the pinnacle of world football—achievements she believes are contingent on consistent support from the country's football federation and the government.
Although the president’s recent pledge signifies a step toward fostering sports growth in Nigeria, concerns over pay equity between the Super Falcons and Super Eagles remain. Prior to the tournament, President Tinubu had reportedly approved back payments and match allowances, raising hopes that future practices would ensure timely compensation for the athletes.
As the Super Falcons bask in the glory of their win, fans and observers eagerly await the government's follow-through on the promised rewards, hopeful that this victory might herald a new era of support for women’s sports in Nigeria.
