President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger on each member of the Super Falcons for winning Nigeria’s 10th title of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, in addition to allocation of a three-bedroom apartment to each member of the victorious squad
The Falcons had come from behind to defeat hosts Atlas Lionesses of Morocco 3-2 in the historic final of the 2024 WAFCON on Saturday
President Tinubu announcing the gifts when he hosted the players and other members of the team at the Presidential Villa on Monday in Abuja, also announced the award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 players.
He also announced the award of the naira equivalent of $50,000 to the technical team.
“I have received this trophy on behalf of all Nigerians, and I say to you: thank you for the dedication, passion, and for reminding us of the strength of the Nigerian spirit. On behalf of a grateful nation, I hereby confer on the players and the 11-man technical team the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)"
“Additionally, I hereby direct the allocation of a three-bedroom apartment to each of the players and members of the technical team".
“In addition, there is a cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 each to the 24 players, and the equivalent of $50,000 each to the 11-man technical team.
“Once again, I congratulate you, and I’ll continue to pray for you. With this, Nigeria’s spirit is unyielding and will never die,' he stated
Tinubu while commending the women’s team for their determination and courage, appreciated them for reminding Nigerians of the strength of the Nigerian spirit.
He also said that his administration would continue to encourage the team.
The President said, “You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see the proof that their dreams are valid and achievable. You inspired me, too.
“It is a great thing for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and thereafter.
“You represent that hope. You ignited our hope, and we will continue to encourage you, encourage the next generation, and other generations after you.”
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, donated ₦10 million to each of the 24 players and the technical team on behalf of the Forum.
Earlier, the captain of the team, Rasheedat Ajibade, expressed gratitude to the President for his unwavering belief in the team.
She said the WAFCON trophy was for all Nigerians, especially young girls.
Ajibade said the dream of the squad is to be the best women’s team in the world.
She, however, called for more support for female football.
The victorious players and other members of the team were earlier received by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, after they landed in Nigeria from Morocco, where they clinched a 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
The team arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja aboard a chartered flight at about 2:26 p.m.
The team received a rousing welcome from fans and government officials, some of whom had waited at the airport for hours to receive their heroines.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Culture and Tourism, Hanatu Musawa; and the Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, were among the government officials
who welcomed the team on arrival.
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