President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today bestowed national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), on the Super Falcons and the entire technical crew as well as allocating three-bedroom apartments in Abuja to each of the players and the technical crew at the Renewed Hope Estate.
Besides, Tinubu, during a reception of the players and coaching crew at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, also gave naira equivalent of $100,000 each of the 24 players and $50,000 to each of the 11-man technical crew.
His words, “I hereby conferred on the players, the 11-man technical team, with national honours of the Officer of the Order of the Niger. Additionally, I have directed the allocation of three-bedroom apartments in the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme. Then, there is the cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 US dollars each 24 players and the naira equivalent of $50,000 to the 11-man technical crew.”
He continude, “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.”
Tinubu recounted the emotional moments of the final match, noting how the team’s performance lifted the nation’s spirits and united Nigerians from all walks of life.
“Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency. 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. 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. 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,” he narrated.
Tinubu assured the team of his administration’s continued support and commitment to sports development, pledging that the government would invest further in women’s football and youth talent development across the country.
He concluded, “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.”
In a further show of appreciation, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, also announced a donation of ₦10 million to each of the players and technical team members on behalf of the 36 state governors.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the Super Falcons as role models and shining examples of courage and excellence.
She congratulated the team for their exceptional performance and unwavering spirit, describing their journey as “a testament to resilience, teamwork, and determination.”
“You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves—that it is not over until it is over.
