The Super Falcons of Nigeria are enjoying a hero’s welcome and an outpouring of financial support after capturing their record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.
The new African champions returned to Nigeria on Monday afternoon to ecstatic welcome from compatriots.
In the latest show of solidarity, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has led a group of Super Eagles stars in rewarding the triumphant squad with generous cash gifts.
Osimhen, Nigeria’s most valuable football star and 2023 Africa Player of the Year, was one of the first to call the Falcons after their victory.
He followed up with a personal financial gesture — a move swiftly echoed by six other international teammates.
Nigeria and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
Those joining the donation drive include Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, Southampton’s Joe Aribo, and veteran defender Leon Balogun. Each has contributed ₦1 million to every one of the 24 players in the Falcons squad — a collective gift amounting to ₦24 million from each of the 6 Nigerian internationals.
More rewards for Super Falcons
This player-driven gesture follows an unprecedented package of rewards unveiled by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at a state reception in Abuja also on Monday.
Every player received a three-bedroom apartment, a national honour — Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) — and $100,000 in cash.
The team’s 11-person coaching and administrative staff were not left out. They also received national awards, equivalent housing, and $50,000 each in appreciation of their efforts behind the scenes.
Piling onto the celebrations, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum announced an additional ₦10 million for each squad member and official – a wave of goodwill unseen in the history of Nigerian women’s football.
Speaking on the significance of the rewards, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau hailed the federal government’s actions as groundbreaking.
“No leader has ever done this for women’s football. This is a message to every girl-child in Nigeria: greatness is possible,” he said.
The Super Falcons secured the title in dominant fashion, beating Tunisia, Botswana, Zambia and defeating South Africa in the semis before edging hosts Morocco in a gripping final.
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