Tinubu Gives Super Falcons N150m Each, Confers Honours On Them
Following their historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, President Bola Tinubu awarded national honors to all 24 players and the 11-member technical team of Nigeria’s senior women’s national football team, the Super Falcons.
Each player and member of the technical crew received the title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) from President Tinubu during the presidential reception organized in their honor.
Additionally, he oversaw the distribution of one three-bedroom dwelling under the government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme to each member of the technical staff and players.
Each of the 24 players received a monetary award of 100,000 naira, and each member of the technical team received a cash award of $50,000, as approved by the president.
“You have motivated millions of people, particularly young girls who now see evidence that their goals are realistic and achievable.
“You have inspired me, too. And it’s great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you,’’ President Tinubu said amid cheers from the jubilant team.
The president recounted the emotional moments of the final match, noting how the team’s performance lifted the nation’s spirits and united Nigerians from all walks of life.
“Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency.
“Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I didn’t want to have high blood pressure. But people came in and turned my TV on that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless.
“But I was still watching with the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage. And after that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too.
“But you almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner.
The only time she watches the game is when the girls are playing. “And when the last whistle blew, there was happiness throughout the nation,” he continued.
The president assured the team of his administration’s continued support and commitment to sports development, pledging that the government would invest further in women’s football and youth talent development across the country.
“Your story is a story of hope. And in this era of Renewed Hope, we celebrate you not just as champions of Africa, but as champions of the Nigerian dream.”
In a further show of appreciation, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also announced a donation of N10 million to each of the players and technical team members on behalf of the 36 state governors.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the Super Falcons as role models and shining examples of courage and excellence.
She congratulated the team for their exceptional performance and unwavering spirit, describing their journey as “a testament to resilience, teamwork, and determination.
“You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves— that it is not over until it is over.
“The zeal you displayed on the pitch was nothing short of inspirational. You never wavered and reminded the world why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football.”
he First Lady prayed for the team’s continued success and shared an earlier conversation with President Tinubu about the team’s bright future as world champions.
“I told Mr. President this morning that you are going on to win the World Cup, and he thought I was too ambitious. But Ajibade, the team captain, just seconded that, and that is possible,” he said.
Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade said the victory was for the team and for every Nigerian girl who dreams of achieving greatness.
“Today, I stand before you not just as the captain of the Super Falcons, but as a proud daughter of Nigeria, carrying the dreams, resilience, and spirit of our great nation,” she said.
“On behalf of my teammates, coaches, and technical staff, I express our heartfelt gratitude for this warm reception and the unwavering belief you have shown in us.”
Emphasising the significance of their 10th WAFCON title, the team captain said: “This victory is not just a trophy. It is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Nigeria. It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream… This 10th title is for you, Mr. President, for Nigerians, for Super Falcons, and for every young child who believes and dreams to be on this stage someday.”
Ajibade called for continued support from the government and stakeholders to elevate Nigeria’s global standing in women’s football.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described the team’s victory as a symbol of national unity, inspiration, and the triumph of belief, courage, and excellence.
Dikko credited President Tinubu’s administration with investing in sports development and women’s empowerment.
“Your steadfast support of women and sports has resulted in the Super Falcons’ victory. As one of the main forces behind the economy, you have always thought that sports can bring people together, heal us, and boost our spirits. And we’ve saw that today,” he said.
He praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, for her “unwavering support for our women in sports.”
“This victory is not only about athletics. It is a potent representation of our cohesiveness and solidarity as a nation. Throughout those ninety minutes, Nigerians from all across the country—north, south, east, and west—held their breath, joined in prayer, supported the team, and then joined in the celebration.
He declared, “That is the power of sports, and in fact, the power of our women in sports.”
This News Is Reaching You From Ogulagha Vanguards Ltd.
The True Face Of Niger Delta.
We Tell Your Story Better.
Follow Ogulagha Vanguards to get the latest updates ranging from politics, Sport, Entertainment, Rural/Urban news, and viral videos across the globe
Reach us at,
www.ogulahavanguards@gmail.com.ng.
Call us at,
080 51 67 09 22
080 25 26 09 91
