*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu tells the victorious Super Falcons amid cheers, “You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable. You have inspired me, too’

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Monday, July 27, 2025, conferred National Honours on all 24 players, and the 11-member technical team of Nigeria’s senior women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, FCT.

绿帽献妻 reports President Tinubu rewarded the entire Nigerian contingent to the continental event, following their victory at the just concluded 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), held in Morocco.

L-R: Super Falcons Assistant Captain, Osinachi Ohale; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; and Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, During President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Reception for Super Falcons, in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, FCT Photo: State House

The Nigerian leader, at the presidential reception held in their honour of the Super Falcons and crew, awarded each player and technical crew member the title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

The President also directed the allocation of a 3-bedroom apartment to each player and technical crew member in the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme in the country.

He equally approved a cash award of the Naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 players, and $50,000 equivalent to each technical team member.

You’ve inspired me and millions of young Nigerians, says President

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Monday, stated President Tinubu told the victorious Super Falcons amid cheers: “You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable.

“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.”

Recounting the emotional moments of the final match at the weekend, President Tinubu averred that the team’s performance lifted the country’s spirit and united Nigerians from all walks of life.

Tinubu further stated: “Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment.

“It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency.”

The President said: “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.”

Recalling his personal experience in the heat of the deciding moment during the final match in Morocco, President Tinubu noted: “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 of the nation was lifted, too.”

The Nigerian stressed “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.”

The President assured the team of his administration’s continued support and commitment to sports development.

He pledged the Nigerian Government would invest further in women’s football and youth talent development across the West African country.

President Tinubu asserted: “Your story is a story of hope. And in this era of Renewed Hope, we celebrate you not just as champions of Africa, but as champions of the Nigerian dream.”

State Governors enrich Super Falcons, crew with N10m each

The Presidency disclosed the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a further show of appreciation, also announced a donation of N10 million to each of the players and technical team members on behalf of the 36 State Governors.

First Lady: Super Falcons, role models of courage and excellence

Speaking at the reception, First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, described the Super Falcons as “role models” and shining examples of courage and excellence.

Senator Tinubu also congratulated the team on their exceptional performance and unwavering spirit.

She also described their journey as “a testament to resilience, teamwork, and determination”.

The Nigerian First Lady stated: “You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves鈥攖hat it is not over until it is over.

“The zeal you displayed on the pitch was nothing short of inspirational.

“You never wavered and reminded the world why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football.”

She as well prayed for the team’s continued success, and shared an earlier conversation with President Tinubu about the team’s bright future as world champions.

The First Lady said: “I told Mr. President this morning that you are going on to win the World Cup, and he thought I was too ambitious.

“But Ajibade, the team captain, just seconded that, and that is possible.”

Captain Ajibade: We appreciate Nigerians’ warm reception, unwavering belief in us

In her remarks at the event Monday, in Abuja, Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade said the victory was for the team, and for every Nigerian girl who dreams of achieving greatness.

Ajibade stated: “Today, I stand before you not just as the captain of the Super Falcons, but as a proud daughter of Nigeria, carrying the dreams, resilience, and spirit of our great nation.

“On behalf of my teammates, coaches, and technical staff, I express our heartfelt gratitude for this warm reception and the unwavering belief you have shown in us.”

Emphasising the significance of their 10th WAFCON title, the female team captain averred: “This victory is not just a trophy.

“It is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Nigeria. It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream鈥�.

“This 10th title is for you, Mr. President, for Nigerians, for Super Falcons, and for every young child who believes and dreams to be on this stage someday.”

She, therefore, solicited for continued support from the government and other stakeholders to elevate Nigeria’s global standing in women’s football.

Speaking at the reception in Abuja, Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), described the team’s victory as a symbol of national unity, inspiration, and the triumph of belief, courage, and excellence.

Dikko credited President Tinubu’s administration with investing in sports development and women’s empowerment.

He also stated: “The Super Falcons’ triumph is a fruit of your unwavering support for sports and women.

“You have always believed that sports can unite us, heal us, and uplift our spirit as one of the major drivers of the economy. And today, we have seen it happen.”

The Chairman of NSC, on the occasion, also lauded the First Lady Tinubu for her “constant support for our women in sports”.

Dikko noted: “This win goes beyond sports. It is a powerful symbol of our national unity and cohesion.

“In those 90 minutes, Nigerians everywhere from the north, south, east and west held their breath, prayed together, cheered the team, and finally celebrated together.”

”That is the power of sports, and indeed the power of our women in sports.”

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