President Bola Tinubu has fulfilled his promise to reward the Super Falcons with $100,000 each, 15 months after their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title win in Morocco. The players have started receiving payments totalling about N140 million, representing the naira equivalent of the President’s pledge. This move demonstrates Tinubu's commitment to recognising and rewarding sporting achievements.
The Super Falcons won the WAFCON title by defeating hosts Morocco in a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory in Rabat. This triumph not only earned the team $1 million in prize money but also reinforced their position as Africa's most successful women's national team with 10 continental titles. The victory was celebrated widely, and the team's achievement was acknowledged by the President.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) confirmed the fulfilment of President Tinubu's pledge in a statement issued on Monday. According to Shehu Dikko, NSC chairman, President Tinubu honoured his commitment to the players in full, demonstrating a commitment to recognising sporting achievements and ensuring athletes receive promised rewards. Dikko expressed gratitude to the President for his prompt action.
Dikko highlighted that some of Nigeria's sports heroes had endured years of waiting for promises to be fulfilled, but President Tinubu has shown that things can be done differently. The fulfilment of the pledge is expected to encourage Nigerian athletes to continue representing the country with confidence that their efforts will be recognised. This move is seen as a positive step towards promoting sports development in Nigeria.
The payment to the Super Falcons follows a similar $100,000 reward pledge by Tinubu to members of D’Tigress after Nigeria won a fifth consecutive title at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket. This reinforces the country's dominance in women’s basketball on the continent and demonstrates Tinubu's commitment to rewarding excellence in sports.
The Super Falcons' 2024 WAFCON triumph secured Nigeria's 10th continental title and reinforced their position as Africa's most successful women’s national team. The team's achievement was celebrated widely, and the President's prompt fulfilment of his pledge has been seen as a welcome development in the sports sector.
The NSC's confirmation of the payment has brought relief to the players, who had been waiting for the promised rewards. The development is expected to boost the morale of Nigerian athletes and encourage them to continue striving for excellence in their respective sports.
Key points
- President Tinubu fulfills $100,000 pledge to each Super Falcons player, 15 months after WAFCON victory
- The payment demonstrates Tinubu's commitment to recognising and rewarding sporting achievements in Nigeria
- The Super Falcons' 2024 WAFCON triumph secured Nigeria's 10th continental title and reinforced their position as Africa's most successful women’s national team
