President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on Nigeria’s Super Falcons, following their historic triumph at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, marking the country’s 10th title in the tournament.
Speaking during a reception held in their honour at the Presidential Villa on Monday, Tinubu also announced monetary rewards for the team: the naira equivalent of $100,000 for each of the 24 players, and $50,000 for each member of the 11-man technical crew.
In addition, the President directed the allocation of three-bedroom apartments to all players and technical staff.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, I confer on the players and the technical team the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger. I also direct the allocation of a three-bedroom apartment to each of you,” Tinubu said. “This team has reminded us all of the strength, passion, and resilience of the Nigerian spirit. You have inspired millions, especially young girls, and you’ve inspired me too.”
He praised the Super Falcons for their courage, determination, and ability to unite the country through their performance.
“It is a great thing for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and generations to come. You represent that hope. Nigeria’s spirit is unyielding and will never die,” he added.
The team also received further recognition from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, with its Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announcing a ₦10 million donation to each player and member of the technical crew on behalf of all 36 governors.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, speaking on behalf of the team, thanked the President for the recognition and reaffirmed the team’s ambition to become the best women’s football team in the world.
“This trophy is for all Nigerians, especially the young girls who now believe their dreams are valid. We are grateful for your support, but we need more — for ourselves and for the future of women’s football in Nigeria,” she said.
Earlier, the team was welcomed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, arriving at about 2:26 p.m. aboard a chartered flight. The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, along with Ministers of Information, Culture & Tourism, and Women Affairs, led a jubilant crowd of fans and officials in giving the players a rousing reception.
From the brink of defeat to historic glory
The Super Falcons’ 10th WAFCON title came after an epic comeback in the final against host nation Morocco, held on Saturday, July 26 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Down 2-0 at halftime after goals from Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Fatima Tagnaout, Nigeria staged a remarkable comeback.
In the 63rd minute, a handball in the box led to Okoronkwo converting a penalty to pull one back. Eight minutes later, Okoronkwo provided an assist for Ijamilusi, who calmly slotted home the equaliser.
The winning goal came in the 88th minute when Jennifer Echegini tapped in a deep free kick to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory — completing one of the greatest comebacks in WAFCON history and cementing Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.
The victory marks Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title in as many final appearances, underlining the Super Falcons’ status as the most successful women’s football team on the continent.
From Rabat to Abuja, and from state houses to schoolyards, the win has reignited national pride — and reminded everyone that when Nigerian women lead, history is made.
