Nigeria’s Super Falcons returned home to a hero’s welcome after winning their 10th WAFCON title. With cheers, national honours, and generous rewards, their victory reignites hope for women’s football and inspires a generation of girls to chase their dreams.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons were welcomed in Abuja with exuberant celebrations after winning their historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.
The capital’s streets echoed with pride as fans greeted the returning champions—an occasion which, according to one commentator, featured a team “made of grit… They had the passion, zeal, and determination. Nigerians everywhere are celebrating.”
President Bola Tinubu hosted the national team at the Presidential Villa, conferring the honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and 11 technical crew.
In his remarks, he declared,
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable. You ignited hope in every Nigerian. This victory is a triumph of courage, discipline, and unity.”
He also announced that each awardee would receive a three-bedroom apartment and stated, “$100,000 will go to every player, and $50,000 to each technical staff member, in recognition of your outstanding achievement.”
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu praised the team as “role models and shining examples of courage and excellence,” and expressed her hope that their journey would inspire “future world champions from Nigeria.”
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade addressed the country, saying:
“This victory is not just a trophy. It is a testament to Nigeria's unyielding spirit. It’s a celebration of every young girl who dares to dream… On behalf of my teammates, coaches, and staff, I express our heartfelt gratitude for this warm reception and for believing in us.”
Ajibade dedicated the win “to Nigerians and every young girl out there,” and urged: “Hold on to your passion. Work hard. Your time is coming. Believe in yourself: anything is possible”. She also emphasized the importance of future growth, stating, “This triumph is an invitation to invest more in women’s football so we can achieve even greater heights on the global stage.”
Further commendations came from Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, who characterized the victory as “a symbol of unity and excellence that uplifted our spirits as one people.” The Nigeria Governors’ Forum also marked the occasion by awarding ₦10 million to each player and member of the technical staff.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and throughout Abuja, jubilant crowds celebrated, with public concerts and city tours drawing celebrities, football officials, and local communities into the festivities.
Amid past obstacles of “funding delays, inadequate resources, and institutional hurdles,” the Super Falcons’ achievement has “radiated hope and possibility for millions of Nigerian girls fighting for their dreams”—a shift towards prioritizing the future of women’s sports and providing fresh inspiration across the nation.
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