WAFCON Champions Get Their Cash: Tinubu Fulfils $100,000 Promise To Super Falcons
By TAYO TAIWO (T. T.) OLUWOLE
Presidential Reward Begins
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has fulfilled his promise to reward each member of the Super Falcons with the naira equivalent of $100,000 following Nigeria’s record-extending victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The players have begun receiving payments estimated at ₦140 million each, according to a statement issued by the National Sports Commission (NSC) on Monday. Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to the Director-General, signed the statement.
The payment represents the cash component of the reward Tinubu announced after Nigeria defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic final in Rabat on 26 July 2025. With that victory, the Super Falcons secured their 10th continental title and further strengthened their position as the most successful team in the competition’s history.
The NSC described the disbursement as the fulfilment of the president’s commitment to recognise the players’ achievement and reward sporting excellence.
Dramatic Comeback Earned Historic Title
Nigeria produced a stunning comeback after Morocco took a 2-0 lead into half-time. However, Esther Okoronkwo converted a penalty in the 64th minute to reduce the deficit before providing the assist for Folashade Ijamilusi’s equaliser seven minutes later.
Substitute Jennifer Echegini then completed the turnaround with an 88th-minute winner. Consequently, Nigeria reclaimed the African crown after losing to Morocco in the semi-finals of the 2022 edition, played in 2023.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade thanked Tinubu for fulfilling the financial commitment. She described the gesture as recognition of the team’s achievement and contribution to Nigerian sports, according to the NSC statement.
D’Tigress Reward Provides a Precedent
The Super Falcons’ payment follows a similar presidential reward for Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, after their triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
D’Tigress defeated Mali 78-64 in the final on 3 August 2025 to claim their fifth consecutive title and seventh overall. The achievement also made them the first team to win five successive editions of the competition.
Tinubu subsequently promised each player $100,000, alongside a three-bedroom apartment in Abuja and national honours. He also extended financial rewards and other benefits to the coaching and technical crew.
In September 2026, the NSC confirmed that D’Tigress players had received the naira equivalent of $100,000 each, while team officials received $50,000 each.
Housing & National Honours Already Presented
For the Super Falcons, the latest cash disbursement follows the earlier presentation of title documents for three-bedroom apartments in Abuja and certificates of national honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
The NSC, led by Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, commended Tinubu for supporting Nigerian athletes and honouring his commitments.
According to the commission, fulfilling such promises can strengthen confidence among athletes and sports administrators. It also reiterated its focus on improving athlete welfare, expanding international opportunities and attracting investment into Nigeria’s sports sector.
