The Nigerian Super Falcons have broken their silence regarding President Bola Tinubu's controversial ₦100,000 reward following their successful qualification for the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Players have finally addressed the public outcry surrounding the monetary gift that sparked nationwide debate.
Players Break Silence on Presidential Reward
Super Falcons stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe have confirmed receiving the presidential reward while speaking to journalists. The players maintained diplomatic composure despite the widespread criticism the amount generated across social media platforms and sports communities.
"We received the payment from the President," stated Rasheedat Ajibade, the team's influential midfielder. Her confirmation puts to rest speculation about whether the players had actually received the much-discussed financial reward.
Historic Achievement Overshadowed by Reward Controversy
The Super Falcons made history by becoming the first African team to qualify for ten consecutive WAFCON tournaments after defeating Cape Verde 7-1 on aggregate. However, this remarkable achievement was quickly overshadowed by the public reaction to President Tinubu's ₦100,000 reward per player.
Christy Ucheibe echoed her teammate's statement, confirming the team's receipt of the presidential gift while choosing to focus on the team's accomplishment rather than the amount. "We got the alert, and we are grateful," Ucheibe remarked, demonstrating the team's professional approach to the situation.
Nigerian Football Community Reacts
The reward amount sparked intense debate across Nigeria, with many football enthusiasts and analysts questioning whether the amount appropriately reflected the significance of the team's achievement. The Super Falcons' qualification maintains Nigeria's perfect record of appearing in every WAFCON edition since the tournament's inception.
Despite the controversy, the players have shown remarkable professionalism, choosing to emphasize their historic qualification rather than engage in public debate about the reward. This approach has earned praise from sports analysts who commend the team's focus on their sporting objectives.
The team now looks ahead to the 2024 WAFCON tournament in Morocco, where they will aim to reclaim the continental title they last won in 2018, building on their legacy as one of Africa's most successful women's football nations.
