Nigeria’s record-extending 10th title last night in Rabat, Morocco earned the Super Falcons not just the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations’ (WAFCON) trophy but also the top prize of $1 million (about N1.54 billion).
Ahead of the tournament, the Confédération Africaine de Football (Confederation of African Football – CAF) had increased the winning prize money by 100% and the total prize money of this competition by 45%.
Acknowledging that the quality and standard of women’s football in the continent is consistently improving and is world class, CAF said that improved reward should contribute to the increase of the salaries of women players, coaches and employees.
CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe said: ‘CAF is continuing with its commitment to the development and growth of women’s football in Africa’.
While champions Nigeria received $1 million, Morocco, as runners-up got $500,000, while third placed Ghana won $350,000.
Immediate past winners, South Africa, who came fourth at Morocco 2024, received N300,000.
For reaching the quarterfinals, Mali, Algeria, Zambia and Senegal earned $200,000 each, just as Botswana, the only third placed side at the group stage which did not make the cut to the last eight.
DR Congo, Tunisia and Tanzania, who placed last in their respective groups, went home with $125,000 each.
Nigerian striker Rasheedat Ajibade emerged the Most Valuable Player of the championship, while compatriot Chiamaka Nnadozie was voted the best goalkeeper: Chiamaka Nnadozie.
With five goals to her name, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak emerged the best goal scorer, while dethroned South Africa were the fairplay trophy winner
For staging a stunning comeback at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, recovering from two goals down to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 and claim the 2024 title, President Bola Tinubu assured the Super Falcons of a befitting celebration upon their return home.
Impressed by their performance, President Tinubu initiated a video call with the team and their officials.
The President told the heroines: ‘As a team, we are very proud of you; the entire nation is proud of you. You lifted our spirits, and we are all very happy.
‘You will be celebrated, and I congratulate all the coaches and the management of the team, including the ministers and officials.
‘To set the record of victories for the 10th time is not a small feat for the country and the continent as a whole. Safe journey back home, enjoy yourselves and avoid injuries’.
He also praised Esther Okoronkwo’s composure during a crucial moment in the final, describing her 64th-minute penalty kick, which sparked a dramatic comeback, as ‘very courageous’.
Okoronkwo created the second goal and delivered the decisive free-kick that Jennifer Echegini converted to seal Nigeria’s 3-2 victory.
‘Safe journey home, enjoy yourselves, avoid injuries, God bless you’, the President told the jubilant players and officials, who repeatedly interjected with ‘Thank you, Mr President’!
Responding on behalf of the team, Ajibade thanked the President for approving the full payment of players’ allowances. She assured him that the team was eager to present him with the WAFCON trophy in Abuja.
The lively exchange ended with a spirited rendition of the national anthem and three thunderous “Gbosa!” cheers for the President.
