ABUJA, NIGERIA – President Bola Tinubu has bestowed national honours and significant rewards upon Nigeria’s national women’s football team, the Super Falcons, and their entire technical crew, following their recent triumph. The team was honoured at a reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
President Tinubu conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and the 11-member technical team. In addition to the prestigious award, each player will receive the naira equivalent of $100,000 USD, while each member of the technical crew will receive the naira equivalent of $50,000 USD. The President also directed the allocation of three-bedroom apartments to each player and technical crew member within the government’s “Renewed Hope Estate” in Abuja.
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable,” President Tinubu stated. He recounted the emotional intensity of the final match, noting how the team’s performance “lifted the nation’s spirits and united Nigerians from all walks of life.” He described their victory as “a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency.”
In a further show of appreciation, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), announced a donation of ₦10 million (approximately $6,600 USD) to each player and technical team member on behalf of Nigeria’s 36 state governors.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised the Super Falcons as “role models and shining examples of courage and excellence,” describing their journey as “a testament to resilience, teamwork, and determination.” She expressed confidence in the team’s future, stating, “I told Mr. President this morning that you are going to win the World Cup.”
Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade accepted the honours on behalf of the team, stating that the victory was “for every Nigerian girl who dreams of achieving greatness.” She emphasised that their 10th WAFCON title was “a testament to the unyielding spirit of Nigeria” and a “celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream.” Ajibade called for continued government and stakeholder support to elevate Nigeria’s global standing in women’s football.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, lauded the team’s victory as a “symbol of national unity, inspiration, and the triumph of belief, courage, and excellence,” crediting President Tinubu’s administration for its investment in sports development and women’s empowerment.
Sources
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