By Muhammad Mamman
In a dazzling ceremony at the Presidential Villa’s new banquet hall in Abuja on Monday, President Bola Tinubu bestowed the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 members of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, celebrating their triumphant victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Each player also received $100,000 and a stylish three-bedroom flat as a reward for their heroics.
The announcement came just two days after the Falcons clinched Nigeria’s record-extending 10th WAFCON title with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win against hosts Morocco in a pulsating final in Rabat.
President Tinubu, brimming with pride, lauded the team’s grit, teamwork, and inspiration to millions of Nigerians. “Your victory is a beacon of hope and resilience,” he declared, hailing their “unstoppable spirit” on the global stage.
This lavish gesture mirrors Tinubu’s earlier recognition of the Super Eagles, who received similar honours after their second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Under head coach Justin Madugu, the Super Falcons navigated a gruelling tournament, overcoming tough group-stage matches, dispatching Zambia and South Africa, and exacting sweet revenge on Morocco for their 2022 semi-final heartbreak in a dramatic, edge-of-the-seat final.
Why It Matters: The Super Falcons’ triumph and Tinubu’s generous rewards spotlight Nigeria’s footballing prowess and the nation’s commitment to celebrating its sporting heroes.
