Nigeria’s Super Falcons received a hero’s welcome at the State House on Monday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rolled out unprecedented rewards for the team following their record-breaking 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, clinched in a dramatic comeback victory over hosts Morocco in Rabat.

At a celebratory reception, Tinubu conferred the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honour on all 24 players and 11 technical crew members. He also announced the allocation of three-bedroom apartments to each team member under the government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, alongside hefty cash gifts of $100,000 for every player and $50,000 for each crew member.

“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable,” Tinubu said, recalling the tension of the match with humour. “Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I didn’t want to have high blood pressure. But when it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless. After that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too. At the final whistle, it was joy all over the country.”

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, hailed the team’s resilience and hinted at even loftier ambitions:
“You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves—that it is not over until it is over. 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.”

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, speaking on behalf of the squad, dedicated the title to Nigerian girls everywhere:
“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.”

Adding to the jubilation, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), announced an additional ₦10 million for each player and crew member, calling it a “token of gratitude for lifting the nation’s spirit.”

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, underscored the victory’s wider impact:
“The Super Falcons’ victory goes beyond sports. It is a powerful symbol of our national unity and cohesion. In those 90 minutes, Nigerians everywhere from the north, south, east and west held their breath, prayed together, cheered the team, and finally celebrated together. That is the power of sports, and indeed the power of our women in sports.”

The event closed with Tinubu pledging greater investment in sports infrastructure and women’s football development, framing the Falcons’ triumph as a springboard for his administration’s broader vision of “Renewed Hope” for Nigerian youth.