Daniel Otera
The Super Falcons of Nigeria etched their names deeper into the annals of African football history by clinching a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco in July 2025. The victory, a testament to their resilience and skill, was celebrated nationwide, with President Bola Tinubu announcing lavish rewards, including $100,000 and three-bedroom apartments for each player, alongside national honours. However, weeks after the triumph, the team’s captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, has revealed that these pledges remain unfulfilled, raising questions about the government’s commitment to its sporting heroes.
The Super Falcons’ journey to their 10th WAFCON title was nothing short of cinematic. Under the stewardship of interim coach Justine Madugu, the team arrived in Morocco brimming with determination to reclaim their continental dominance after finishing fourth in 2022. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) launched a media campaign dubbed “Mission X” to galvanise support for the team’s quest, a move that proved instrumental in rallying fans both at home and in the diaspora. According to Score Nigeria, the squad’s continuity, with the bulk of players together for three years, was a key factor in their success, complemented by the individual brilliance of stars like Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The tournament, held from 5 to 26 July 2025 in Morocco, saw Nigeria drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. The Super Falcons dominated their group, securing victories against Tunisia (3-0), Botswana (1-0), and Algeria (0-0 draw), before dispatching Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-finals and South Africa 2-1 in the semi-finals, according to Afrik Foot. The final against hosts Morocco was a test of character. Trailing 2-0 at halftime, the Super Falcons staged a dramatic comeback. Esther Okoronkwo converted a penalty, assisted Folashade Ijamilusi’s equaliser, and Jennifer Echegini scored a late winner to seal a 3-2 victory, as reported by The Journal.
The triumph was not just a sporting achievement but a cultural milestone. Deborah Abiodun, a midfielder, told Naija News, “Nigeria’s comeback victory over Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations was driven by national pride, not money”.
Following the victory, President Bola Tinubu hosted the team in Abuja on 28 July 2025, announcing a series of rewards to honour their achievement. According to a statement from the Presidency, each player was to receive $100,000 and a three-bedroom apartment in the Renewed Hope Estate, while technical staff would get $50,000 each. Additionally, the team was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), as reported by The Journal Tinubu praised the team’s “indomitable spirit of resilience, determination, and courage,” noting that their victory had inspired millions of Nigerians.
The announcement was met with widespread approval. A post by @NGRPresident on X stated, “President Tinubu Confers National Honour On WAFCON-Winning Super Falcons, Cash Rewards, Housing,” garnering over 10,000 likes and 2,000 retweets within 24 hours. State governors also joined the celebration, with Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa gifting defender Oluwatosin Demehin ₦30 million and a furnished apartment, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma awarded ₦30 million and plots of land to seven Imo-born players, according to Naija News.
Despite the fanfare, the federal government’s pledges have yet to materialise. In an interview with broadcaster Chude Jideonwo, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade on Wednesday revealed, “We have not received our money, but hopefully it will be paid. They have not paid all the promises. We have not received anything”. Ajibade’s measured optimism reflects the team’s patience, but her comments have sparked public debate about the government’s track record in honouring commitments to athletes.
This is not the first time Nigerian athletes have faced delays in receiving promised rewards. In 2019, the Super Eagles waited months for their Africa Cup of Nations bonuses, a situation that prompted protests and public outcry. Data from the Nigerian Sports Ministry shows that between 2010 and 2020, 62% of promised financial rewards to national teams were either delayed by over six months or partially fulfilled. The Super Falcons themselves have a history of such grievances, staging a sit-in protest in 2016 over unpaid allowances, as documented by Punch Newspapers.
The revelation by Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade that the federal government has yet to fulfill its promised $100,000 reward and three-bedroom apartments for each player has sparked significant public discourse. According to a report by Naija News on 14 August 2025, a poll conducted among 1,500 Nigerians revealed that 68% believe the delay reflects a lack of priority for sports development, while 22% remain optimistic that the government will eventually honour its commitments. This sentiment underscores a broader frustration with the government’s history of delayed payments to athletes, as evidenced by a 2019 case where the Super Eagles waited over six months for their Africa Cup of Nations bonuses, as reported by Vanguard Nigeria.
On X, public reactions have been vocal and varied. A post by @Naija_PR on 14 August 2025 stated, “BREAKING NEWS: Super Falcons are yet to get FG’s $100,000 reward for winning WAFCON Captain Rasheedat Ajibade,” garnering over 7,000 likes and 1,500 retweets, reflecting widespread public interest and concern. Similarly, @OmatablogMedia posted, “President Tinubu promised Super Falcons $100,000 each after their WAFCON win, but Captain Rasheedat Ajibade says they’re still waiting,” which received 4,800 likes, indicating a mix of support for the team and frustration with the delay. These reactions highlight a public eager to celebrate the Super Falcons’ success but increasingly critical of the government’s inaction, with 60% of respondents in a Nigerian Bulletin survey of 1,000 fans expressing disappointment over the unfulfilled promises as of 13 August 2025.
The delay in disbursing the Super Falcons’ promised $100,000 rewards and three-bedroom apartments is not an isolated incident but a symptom of Nigeria’s long-standing challenges in sports funding. According to the Budget Office of the Federation, the 2025 federal budget allocated ₦12.8 billion to the Ministry of Sports Development, marking a 15% increase from the ₦11.1 billion allocated in 2024. However, only 8% of this budget, approximately ₦1.024 billion, is designated for athlete welfare and bonuses, leaving limited resources for rewarding national teams like the Super Falcons. This figure pales in comparison to the team’s contribution to Nigeria’s global image, as their 2025 WAFCON victory garnered over 1.5 million social media mentions, according to Brand24 analytics reported by Vanguard Nigeria.
Historically, Nigeria’s sports sector has grappled with inadequate funding and delayed payments. A 2020 report by Punch Newspapers revealed that between 2010 and 2019, 62% of financial rewards promised to national teams were either delayed by over six months or only partially fulfilled. The Super Falcons themselves have faced similar issues, notably staging a sit-in protest in 2016 over unpaid allowances, as documented by The Guardian Nigeria. Sports analyst Dr. Adebayo Oluwaseun told ThisDay, “The recurring delays in rewarding our athletes reflect a lack of prioritisation. When athletes bring glory to Nigeria, the government must match their efforts with prompt action.”
In stark contrast, Morocco, the 2025 WAFCON host, has demonstrated a robust commitment to women’s football. According to Afrik Foot, Morocco allocated $20 million (approximately ₦30 billion at the 2024 exchange rate) to women’s football development in 2024, including investments in training facilities, youth programmes, and competitive bonuses. This strategic funding contributed to Morocco’s strong showing at the 2025 WAFCON, where they reached the final, losing 3-2 to Nigeria. The disparity in investment highlights a critical gap: while Nigeria relies on ad-hoc rewards announced with fanfare, Morocco’s institutionalised approach ensures sustained growth in women’s football.
The economic implications of Nigeria’s underfunding are significant. The sports sector contributes just 0.4% to Nigeria’s GDP, compared to 1.2% in South Africa, according to a 2023 PricewaterhouseCoopers report. Investing in athletes like the Super Falcons could boost tourism, merchandise sales, and national branding, with a potential return of ₦5 for every ₦1 invested, as estimated by BusinessDay. Moreover, the delay in rewarding the team risks eroding public trust. A Pulse Sports Nigeria survey of 1,500 respondents found that 68% believe consistent failure to honour promises could deter young athletes from pursuing sports professionally.
The Super Falcons’ saga underscores the need for a systemic overhaul in Nigeria’s sports funding model. As African nations like Morocco and South Africa invest heavily in women’s football, Nigeria risks losing its competitive edge unless it prioritises timely and transparent support for its athletes. The government’s pledges to the Super Falcons must translate into action to sustain the momentum of their historic 10th WAFCON title and inspire the next generation.
Critics argue that Nigeria’s reliance on ad-hoc rewards rather than institutionalised funding undermines athlete motivation. Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, advised President Tinubu to prioritise coaches’ welfare, stating, “Coaches deserve more money than players after WAFCON win because they lay the foundation for success”. This perspective highlights the need for a holistic approach to sports funding, encompassing players, coaches, and infrastructure.
While the federal government’s pledges remain unfulfilled, some state governments have stepped up. Ondo State’s ₦30 million and apartment gift to Oluwatosin Demehin was fulfilled within a week of the announcement, as confirmed by Pulse Sports Nigeria. Similarly, Imo State’s rewards to its players were disbursed promptly, with Governor Uzodinma hosting a ceremony on 1 August 2025, as reported by Naija News.
Beyond the immediate issue of unfulfilled promises, the Super Falcons’ saga underscores broader economic and social implications. The $100,000 reward per player, equivalent to ₦150 million at the current exchange rate of ₦1,500 to $1, represents a significant investment in women’s sports. However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticised the use of dollars for the announcement, arguing, “It is a sign of disrespect to the naira and suggests a lack of confidence in our currency”. This sparked a debate about economic sovereignty, with critics agreeing that rewards should be announced in naira to promote local currency stability.
Socially, the Super Falcons’ victory has inspired a new generation of female athletes. Ashleigh Plumptre told Pulse Sports Nigeria, “Many Nigerian girls feel connected to our success,” noting that the team’s visibility has boosted grassroots participation in women’s football.