President hails team’s resilience after dramatic comeback win over Morocco; awards national honours, cash prizes, and homes to players and technical crew.
President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on members of Nigeria’s Super Falcons and their technical team in recognition of their historic triumph at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. Each of the 24 players is also to receive the naira equivalent of $100,000 and a three-bedroom apartment, while the 11-man technical crew will receive $50,000 each and identical housing benefits.
Speaking while hosting the victorious squad at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu described the team’s courage, determination, and passion as a reflection of the resilient Nigerian spirit. “You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable,” the President said. “You ignited our hope, and we will continue to encourage you and generations after you.”
The honours followed Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win over host nation Morocco in the WAFCON final held on Saturday, July 26, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The victory secured the Super Falcons their 10th WAFCON title, a record in the history of the competition.
The Nigerian side had gone two goals down in the first half, with Morocco scoring in the 13th and 28th minutes. However, the Falcons stormed back in the second half. A handball led to Okoronkwo converting from the spot in the 63rd minute, before she assisted Ijamilusi for the equaliser in the 71st minute. The winning goal came in the 88th minute, with Echegini slotting home after a well-delivered free kick, sealing a remarkable turnaround.
The President received the trophy from team captain Rasheedat Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, praising them for making the country proud. He also acknowledged the emotional significance of the win for Nigerians at home and abroad.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who also chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, announced an additional ₦10 million reward for each player and technical crew member on behalf of the Forum.
Earlier in the day, the players were warmly received by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu upon their return to Nigeria. Their chartered flight touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 2:26 p.m., where fans and government officials, including Ministers of Information, Culture and Tourism, and Women Affairs, gathered to celebrate the heroines.
Captain Ajibade, while addressing the President, dedicated the trophy to all Nigerians and urged for increased support for women’s football. She reiterated the team’s ambition to become the best women’s football team in the world.
The victory and the national response to it have been widely hailed as a powerful moment for gender equality in sports and a boost for Nigerian football.
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