The National Sports Commission (NSC) has addressed the delay in disbursing President Bola Tinubu's promised rewards to the Super Falcons, assuring the players that the incentives remain intact. The reassurance comes amid concerns from the team's camp in Casablanca, Morocco, where the African champions are preparing to defend their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
NSC Explains Delay in Tinubu's Reward
Sports journalist Ayo Ibidapo raised the issue with NSC chairman Shehu Dikko during an interview in London after reports emerged that some players were worried about the delay in receiving the promised incentives. Dikko explained that the payment process involves government procedures because the rewards fall outside the approved annual budget.
"It's a government process because those things are off-budget expenditure. It has to go through the budget, be provided for in the budget and be processed," Dikko said. He added that President Tinubu had already approved the payments. "The President approved their payment since August 2025. It is now with the finance authorities and the Office of the Accountant General. They are processing it."
The NSC boss stressed that the commission remains committed to ensuring the players receive everything promised to them. "I am working on it, and I am sure the Minister of Finance is also working to ensure the money is released as soon as possible. Whether it comes before the tournament or after, they will receive it. The money will be paid directly into their accounts. Their Certificates of Occupancy are ready, and their national honours are also ready."
Tinubu's Reward Package for Super Falcons
President Tinubu had announced a reward package of $100,000 for each player, alongside a house and national honour, during a reception at the State House after the Super Falcons won the 2024 WAFCON title. The delay in disbursement has raised concerns among the players, but Dikko's assurances aim to allay those fears.
Super Falcons Shift Focus to WAFCON Defence
While waiting for the government rewards, the Super Falcons remain focused on defending their continental crown in Morocco. According to the BBC, Nigeria enter the tournament as Africa's highest-ranked women's team and record WAFCON champions under head coach Justin Madugu. The squad will rely on several experienced stars, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who has been named Africa's Best Goalkeeper for three consecutive years.
Hosts Morocco are expected to provide one of the biggest challenges after reaching the last two WAFCON finals, while South Africa, Ghana and Zambia are also among the leading contenders for the title. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the outstanding incentives, the Super Falcons are expected to concentrate on becoming African champions once again.
Okoronkwo Reacts to CAF Award Disappointment
Legit.ng previously reported that Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo reflected on missing out on the final shortlist for the 2025 CAF Women's Player of the Year award despite being among the initial nominees. The striker described the nomination as a proud career achievement but insisted individual recognition means little compared to helping Nigeria retain the WAFCON trophy, stressing that bringing success to the country remains her biggest motivation.
