The women’s national football team, also known as the Super Falcons, has returned home to Nigeria after an impressive victory in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) held in Morocco. At a festive reception hosted at Aso Rock, President Bola Tinubu hailed their achievement, announcing a reward of $100,000 (approximately £75,000) and a three-bedroom apartment for each player.
The team celebrated their success, having secured their 10th Wafcon title following a nail-biting 3-2 comeback win against the hosts, Morocco. Tinubu described their victory as an emblem of "courage, determination and consistency," expressing his pride in their accomplishment. Upon their return to Abuja, the Super Falcons were met with a jubilant welcome featuring traditional dancers and drummers, before being escorted to the presidential residence.
In addition to monetary rewards, President Tinubu conferred the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger to all players and staff, emphasizing the nation's gratitude. Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade highlighted the significance of their win for aspiring young female athletes in Nigeria and outlined her aspirations for the team to emerge as leaders in global football.
Despite the celebrations, past issues regarding delayed payments and bonuses have raised skepticism; both the men's and women's teams have faced challenges related to remuneration throughout the years. The Super Falcons have previously staged protests during tournaments over payment discrepancies.
President Tinubu assured the squad that match allowances and bonuses, including back pay, would henceforth be facilitated on time, promising that such practices would be the norm moving forward. This commitment comes after the government finally fulfilled its long-standing promise of housing for members of the victorious men's team from the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.
As the Super Falcons bask in their latest triumph, discussions on equitable pay and support within Nigerian football continue, with fans advocating that female athletes receive compensation comparable to their male counterparts.
The team celebrated their success, having secured their 10th Wafcon title following a nail-biting 3-2 comeback win against the hosts, Morocco. Tinubu described their victory as an emblem of "courage, determination and consistency," expressing his pride in their accomplishment. Upon their return to Abuja, the Super Falcons were met with a jubilant welcome featuring traditional dancers and drummers, before being escorted to the presidential residence.
In addition to monetary rewards, President Tinubu conferred the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger to all players and staff, emphasizing the nation's gratitude. Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade highlighted the significance of their win for aspiring young female athletes in Nigeria and outlined her aspirations for the team to emerge as leaders in global football.
Despite the celebrations, past issues regarding delayed payments and bonuses have raised skepticism; both the men's and women's teams have faced challenges related to remuneration throughout the years. The Super Falcons have previously staged protests during tournaments over payment discrepancies.
President Tinubu assured the squad that match allowances and bonuses, including back pay, would henceforth be facilitated on time, promising that such practices would be the norm moving forward. This commitment comes after the government finally fulfilled its long-standing promise of housing for members of the victorious men's team from the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.
As the Super Falcons bask in their latest triumph, discussions on equitable pay and support within Nigerian football continue, with fans advocating that female athletes receive compensation comparable to their male counterparts.
