In a landmark gesture celebrating Nigeria’s women football champions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all members of the Super Falcons and their technical crew. The announcement, made Monday in Abuja, underscores the administration’s commitment to honoring excellence and inspiring future generations.
Each of the 24 players and 11 technical crew members will also receive life-changing rewards:
• A three-bedroom apartment in Abuja’s Renewed Hope Estate
• Cash prizes: ₦ equivalent of $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for each technical crew member
The recognition follows the Falcons’ sterling performance at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where the nine-time champions have advanced to the finals, reaffirming Nigeria’s dominance on the continental stage.
Speaking at the State House, President Tinubu praised the team not only for their skills on the pitch but for their resilience, unity, and ability to rally the hopes of over 200 million Nigerians.
“You are not just champions of football. You are champions of hope, resilience, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit,” Tinubu said. “This reward is not just for what you have achieved but for the inspiration you continue to provide to millions of our youths, especially young girls who see in you the future of Nigerian greatness.”
The President’s decision comes as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, signaling a push to invest more in youth, sports, and gender inclusivity. Analysts view this move as a strategic step in bolstering national morale and re-positioning Nigeria as a powerhouse in global women’s football.
The three-bedroom apartments in Renewed Hope Estate represent more than just houses; they stand as tangible symbols of recognition and gratitude from a nation to its heroines. Meanwhile, the hefty cash rewards are expected to further motivate the Falcons ahead of the WAFCON finals, where they will face hosts Morocco in what promises to be a historic showdown.
The gesture also resonates beyond sports, projecting Nigeria’s soft power on the global stage. By honoring women athletes with the same seriousness traditionally reserved for male counterparts, the Tinubu administration is signaling a shift toward equity in sports recognition.
Fans across Nigeria and the diaspora have flooded social media with praises, hailing Tinubu’s action as “the biggest motivation yet” for women in sports. Many commentators noted that it was long overdue for the Falcons, who have consistently delivered continental glory for decades.
As Nigeria prepares for the WAFCON final, the stakes are not just about lifting a trophy but cementing a legacy. And with the President’s backing, the Falcons march onto the pitch with both national pride and personal gratitude fueling their drive.
