The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that all financial rewards promised to the Super Falcons after their 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory have been fulfilled, with $100,000 paid into each player's account and three-bedroom homes in Abuja set for formal handover this week.
National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko made the announcement on Friday while attending the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Dikko stated that he would travel directly to Morocco to present the house keys to the squad ahead of the 2026 WAFCON, which kicked off days later.
Government Fulfills Long-Awaited Rewards
President Bola Tinubu had originally announced the reward package after Nigeria defeated hosts Morocco to clinch the 2025 WAFCON title, but the pledge went unfulfilled for nearly a year. Supporters and former players repeatedly questioned whether the government would honour its commitments before the team returned to Morocco to defend their crown.
Earlier this week, members of the current Super Falcons squad voiced concern that the unresolved promises could undermine confidence within the camp as they prepared for another demanding tournament. The confirmation that the cash rewards had been processed and that the house keys were on their way appeared to put those worries to rest.
Dikko to Present Keys in Morocco
"I am leaving Glasgow for Morocco this week to present the keys to the houses, which His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu promised the Super Falcons after they won the last edition of the WAFCON," Dikko said in an NSC Instagram post. "Even their $100,000 has been paid into their various bank accounts. We decided to delay the presentation of the keys because we wanted a situation whereby the players will be together. I am sure it will boost their morale ahead of the 2026 WAFCON event, which will kick off in Morocco in a few days."
The Super Falcons will also receive national honours as part of the recognition package, according to the government.
High Stakes in Morocco
The 2026 WAFCON is the most competitive edition of the tournament to date, having expanded to 16 teams. The eventual winners will collect a record $2 million in prize money, and the four semi-finalists will earn automatic spots at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, raising the stakes for every fixture.
Nigeria's title defence, however, got off to a difficult start. According to CAF Online, the Super Falcons lost 3-2 to Malawi in their opening group match, making the morale boost from the government's announcement all the more timely as the team looks to recover and progress through the competition.
The team now faces a critical match against Zambia, where their hopes of World Cup qualification hang in the balance.
