In a historic gesture of appreciation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the prestigious Order of the Niger (OON) National Honors on the players and staff of Nigeria’s Super Falcons for their remarkable victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The team, which clinched a record-extending 10th continental title with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win against Morocco, has been celebrated as a symbol of Nigerian resilience and excellence.
In addition to the OON honors, President Tinubu announced that each member of the Super Falcons team, including players and staff, will receive a cash award of $100,000 as a token of the nation’s gratitude for their outstanding performance.
The Nigerian Governors Forum further bolstered the celebration by gifting each team member ₦10 million, recognizing their role in elevating Nigeria’s global sporting reputation.
The announcement comes on the heels of the Super Falcons’ dramatic triumph in Rabat, where they overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat the host nation, Morocco, in front of a passionate home crowd.
Esther Okoronkwo, named Woman of the Match, scored the first goal and provided an assist, while Jennifer Echegini sealed the victory with a stunning half-volley in the final moments.
President Tinubu, in a statement issued through his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, praised the team’s “hard work, dedication, and tenacity,” noting that their performance “exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit.”
The conferment of the OON, one of Nigeria’s highest national honors, follows a precedent set by President Tinubu, who previously awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) to the Super Eagles for their runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The additional financial rewards underscore the administration’s commitment to supporting Nigerian athletes, with the President having recently approved the full payment of allowances and match bonuses for the Super Falcons ahead of the WAFCON final.
The Nigerian Governors Forum’s contribution of ₦10 million per team member has been hailed as a significant gesture, further amplifying the national pride surrounding the Super Falcons’ success.
The team is expected to be received at the State House in Abuja, where the OON honors will be formally conferred. President Tinubu expressed eagerness to welcome the champions, stating, “The nation looks forward to celebrating our heroes who have made us proud on the continental stage.”
As Nigeria celebrates this milestone, the Super Falcons’ victory and the accompanying honors signal a renewed focus on sports development, with President Tinubu pledging continued investment in the sector to foster greater private sector participation and elevate Nigeria’s local leagues.
