Despite President Bola Tinubu’s generous promise of a $100,000 cash reward to each member of Nigeria’s victorious Super Falcons team following their 2025 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph, the team captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, has disclosed that the players have not yet received the payment.
Ajibade recently spoke in an interview with popular media personality Chude Jideonwo, stating clearly, “We have not received our money, but hopefully, it would be paid.” She emphasized that all the promises made, including the financial rewards, have yet to be fulfilled.
President Tinubu made the announcement of the cash award, alongside national honors and the allocation of three-bedroom apartments to all 24 players and the technical team, during a lavish reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja shortly after the team’s historic 3-2 victory over Morocco.
The Super Falcons have a rich history of success in African women’s football, clinching their 10th WAFCON title, an achievement celebrated nationwide with hopes to see the team rise as a global powerhouse in the sport.
Aside from the $100,000 incentive for the players, $50,000 was also approved for each member of the 11-person technical team, and the players and technical crew were awarded the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
However, Ajibade’s revelation sheds light on longstanding challenges faced by Nigerian sports teams in receiving timely government rewards and bonuses. The Super Falcons, like other national teams, have previously had to protest to get their dues, underscoring a persistent issue of delayed payments in Nigerian sports administration.
The team remains hopeful that the government will fulfill all financial commitments soon, as their victory continues to inspire millions of Nigerians, especially young girls with dreams of sporting glory.