Abuja: Nigerian President Bola Tinubu hailed the women’s national football team for their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) at a grand celebratory reception where he promised them gifts and cash rewards. Hosting them at Aso Rock, the presidential residence, on Monday, Tinubu announced each player would get a $100,000 plus a three-bedroom apartment.
According to Nam News Network, the 24-woman squad cheered when they heard the news, but there have been criticisms in the past that prizes promised by Nigerian governments have not materialized. On their arrival at the main airport in the capital, Abuja, the team had been welcomed by traditional dancers, drummers, journalists, and government officials. They were then escorted to the presidential residence in a convoy.
Tinubu conferred national honors, the Officer of the Order of the Niger, to all the players and staff, saying this was on behalf of a grateful nation. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade said that her team’s victory was for every young girl in villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream. She also outlined her vision for the Super Falcons to become the best team in the world but said this can only happen with continued support from the football federation and government.
The Super Falcons have won 10 of the 13 editions of Wafcon since it began in 1998. The president described the latest win as a milestone in the history of sport. While the players celebrated the extra gifts from the president, in the past, both the men’s and women’s national football teams in Nigeria have had repeated issues with the authorities over delayed payment of bonuses and salaries.
The government has only just honored its three-decade promise of new homes for the victorious men’s team, the Super Eagles, which won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Falcons have several times been involved in sit-in protests during major tournaments over pay issues, including after their 2023 Women’s World Cup run. There have also been concerns over pay disparities, and in recent years, fans have called for them to be paid the same as the Super Eagles.