President Bola Tinubu, on Monday evening, conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on the Super Falcons following their victory at WAFCON.
He announced the award of the Naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 players, and the Naira equivalent of $50,000 to the technical crew.
He also awarded a three-bedroom apartment to each of the players.
The victorious Nigerian team, led by Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and head coach Justin Madugu, arrived at the Presidential Villa at 4:35 pm on Monday to a warm reception.
On arrival at the forecourt of the State House, the team was ushered in to be personally welcomed by President Tinubu, welcoming the champions who secured the nation’s record 10th WAFCON title.
The reception was in fulfillment of President Tinubu’s pledge made during a post-match video call on Sunday, in which he congratulated the team and assured them that he looked forward to receiving them and the trophy in Abuja.
“I am very, very proud of you. The entire nation is proud of you. You have lifted our spirits. You are a pride to your generation, and we are all very happy,” the President said during the call, adding: “You will be celebrated, and I look forward to receiving the trophy in Abuja.”
The Super Falcons had stunned hosts Morocco with a thrilling 3-2 victory in Rabat, cementing their legacy as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.