AFCON 2025
The Federal Government has formally presented the Super Falcons with the rewards promised after their 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph, ending nearly a year of delay just days before the team’s title defence begins. The presentation took place in Rabat, Morocco, with National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi handing over the package on the government’s behalf.
Each Super Falcons player is entitled to a $100,000 cash reward and a three-bedroom apartment under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Estate programme. Dikko confirmed the cash had already been paid into the players’ individual bank accounts, with the house keys presented in person in Morocco.
President Bola Tinubu announced the reward package shortly after Nigeria beat hosts Morocco to win a record-extending 10th WAFCON title. The rewards, however, took close to a year to materialize, sparking growing frustration among the playing group and former internationals as the wait dragged into this year’s title defence.
Shehu Dikko explained that the delay stemmed from bureaucratic processing rather than any change of heart by the government, noting the payment required budgetary approval and clearance through the Accountant-General’s Office before it could be released. He said officials deliberately timed the handover for a time while the squad was gathered together in camp, aiming to maximize its morale-boosting effect.
The timing had become a sore point. Members of the United Ex-Super Falcons Worldwide group had voiced concern in the lead-up to the tournament, contrasting the delay with the Federal Government’s swifter fulfillment of similar promises made to D’Tigress, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, after their 2025 AfroBasket win.
With the rewards now settled, the Super Falcons open their 2026 WAFCON title defence against Malawi in Rabat. Nigeria enter the tournament as defending champions and the competition’s most decorated side, chasing an 11th continental crown.
The resolution comes as a needed boost for a squad that had also dealt with reports of theft affecting players during camp in Morocco. Team officials will hope the settled rewards, paired with the housing handover, sharpen focus as the Falcons begin their campaign.
