AFCON 2025
Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC), says the Super Falcons’ victory at the just-concluded Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is a testament to the ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Super Falcons came from two goals down to beat host Morocco 3-2 on Saturday night to clinch their 10th title. Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and substitute Jennifer Echegini got on the scoresheet in the dramatic second-half turnaround.
While speaking on Arise News TV on Monday, Dikko revealed that the achievement of the Super Falcons indicated that the reforms in the Nigerian sports sector are beginning to yield fruit.
He also praised President Tinubu for recognizing and celebrating the monumental feat of the ladies who were honored with an Officer of the Order of Naija (OON) national award, $100,000, and a three-bedroom apartment each, while members of the technical crew received $50,000 each and similar homes.
It just shows that probably there is something going right at the moment. The reforms and the restructuring of the sports sector and the alignment of everybody to support sports to grow is really going the right way. And the outcome is very positive.”
Shehu Dikko also highlighted how support came from all arms of the government, including the First Lady of the country, Senator Remi Tinubu.
The NSC Chairman also responded to the plight of Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who called for infrastructural development and better welfare for the team.
You see all the female ministers… making videos, sending them to the teams, watching them and pushing them forward. And of course, that was carried out by the First Lady herself. There’s a new technical centre already started for the national teams… launched a few months ago by the Speaker,” he said, noting collaboration between FIFA, NFF, and the government.
Dikko went on to reveal that the bonuses and allowances of the team were paid before the final against Morocco, as he hailed Nigerian sportswomen for always going beyond the limit to achieve success. He went on to charge the men, including the Super Eagles, to follow the worthy example of the Super Falcons.
