The National Sports Commission (NSC) says the cash rewards and houses promised by President Bola Tinubu to the Super Falcons following their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory have been delivered ahead of the team’s title defence in Morocco.
Speaking in Glasgow on Friday, where he is attending the ongoing Commonwealth Games, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko said the players had received the promised $100,000 each, while the presentation of keys to their houses would take place this week.
“I am leaving Glasgow for Morocco this week to present keys to the houses, which His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, promised the Super Falcons after they won the last edition of the WAFCON. Even their $100,000 has been paid into their various bank accounts,” Dikko said.
He explained that the presentation of the house keys was delayed to ensure all the players could receive them together.
“We decided to delay the presentation of the key 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,” he added.
The announcement comes after concerns over delays in the fulfilment of the promised rewards, with reports suggesting some members of the squad feared the issue could affect morale ahead of the tournament.
Dikko had previously attributed the delay to administrative procedures involving the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Finance.
Nigeria will begin the defence of their WAFCON title at the 2026 tournament in Morocco, which runs from 26 July to 16 August. The Super Falcons, who have won the competition a record 10 times, have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt.
The team will open their campaign against Malawi on 28 July before facing Zambia on 1 August and Egypt on 5 August. All three group matches will be played in Rabat.
Head coach Justin Madugu has retained much of the squad that won the previous edition of the tournament, with Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe and Toni Payne among the key players expected to feature. Defender Ashley Plumptre is the most notable omission from the 25-player squad.
The Super Falcons go into the competition after a 2-1 friendly victory over Tanzania, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo scoring the goals. The team will also wear a commemorative jersey featuring 10 stars above the national badge to mark each of their previous WAFCON titles.
