The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided a significant update on the long-awaited rewards promised to Nigeria's triumphant female national teams, the Super Falcons and D'Tigress. The government has confirmed that the process to fulfil these commitments is now in its final stages.
Rewards Processed, Documents Ready for Collection
Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), delivered the update on Monday, December 22, 2025, during an event in Fez, Morocco. Dikko, an appointee of President Tinubu, stated that the rewards package—which includes residential houses, national honours, and cash awards equivalent to $100,000 for each player—has been officially processed.
He clarified that the title documents for the houses and the certificates for the national honours are now prepared and available for the athletes to collect. This development addresses previous concerns raised by the teams regarding the delay in receiving their presidential gifts.
Cash Payments Being Finalised by Finance Ministry
Regarding the substantial cash component of the reward, Dikko explained that the final step is being handled by the federal finance authorities. The office of the Minister of Finance and the Accountant General of the Federation are concluding the direct transfer of the naira equivalent of $100,000 into the individual bank accounts of the players.
This move, according to a statement from the NSC, underscores a positive shift towards more structured welfare and accountability for Nigerian athletes. The statement highlighted that this approach allows teams like the Super Eagles, who were present in Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, to focus entirely on their sporting performance.
Background of the Presidential Promise
The rewards were pledged by President Tinubu in late July 2025, following historic victories by both female squads. On July 26, 2025, the Super Falcons secured a record-extending 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title after a thrilling 3-2 final victory against hosts Morocco.
Just two days later, the President announced a generous package for the 24 players and technical crew. Each player was promised:
- The naira equivalent of $100,000.
- A three-bedroom apartment in Abuja.
- The national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
This celebration of excellence continued into August when the women's basketball team, D'Tigress, were crowned champions of the 2025 FIBA Women's Afrobasket after defeating Mali in the final, solidifying a phenomenal year for Nigerian women's sports.
Addressing Previous Player Concerns
The update from the NSC comes after the captain of the Super Falcons, Rasheedat Ajibade, had publicly expressed that the teams were yet to receive the promised rewards. She had also noted that even match bonuses were still "a work in progress." The latest confirmation from the government aims to settle these concerns and affirm its commitment to honouring pledges made to national heroes.
This development marks a crucial step in recognising the immense achievements of Nigeria's female athletes and sets a precedent for how the state rewards sporting excellence, potentially boosting morale and motivation across all national teams.
