President Tinubu Celebrates Super Falcons With Prestigious National Honours

‎President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has awarded Nigeria’s women’s national football team with national honors and generous cash prizes in acknowledgment of their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

‎The Super Falcons made an impressive comeback from two goals down to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in an exciting final held at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium.

‎In addition to reclaiming the title from South Africa, Justine Madugu’s team secured a record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown, having first won the trophy on home soil in 1998.

‎At a presidential reception held in their honor on Monday, President Tinubu awarded each player and member of the technical staff the title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

‎He also directed that each player and member of the technical crew be allocated a three-bedroom apartment under the government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.

‎Additionally, the President approved a cash reward of the naira equivalent of $100,000 for each of the 24 players, and $50,000 for each member of the technical team.

‎”You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable,” the Nigerian president said.

‎“You have inspired me, too. And it’s great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope. You ignited that hope.

‎”And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you.

‎The President expressed his sentiments about the emotional moments of the final match, emphasizing how the team’s performance uplifted the nation’s spirits and united Nigerians from all walks of life.

‎He added, “Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency.

‎”Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I didn’t want to have high blood pressure. But people came in and turned my TV on that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless.

‎”But I was still watching with the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage. And after that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that the nation’s strength was lifted too.

‎”But you almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner.

‎”She doesn’t watch the game except when the girls are playing. And at the end of the final whistle, it was joy all over the country.”