The National Sports Commission has confirmed that the Federal Government has fulfilled President Bola Tinubu’s promise of cash rewards and houses to members of the Super Falcons squad that won the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with the payments completed ahead of the team’s title defence in Morocco.
The Punch reported that the Commission Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, disclosed on Friday from Glasgow, where he is attending the ongoing Commonwealth Games, that each player has received the promised $100,000, while the official presentation of house keys is scheduled to 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.
“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,” Dikko said.
The confirmation puts to rest lingering concerns over the delayed incentives, which had generated anxiety within the camp in the build-up to the tournament.
Reports of theft involving members of the squad during their stay in Morocco had further heightened worries, with some players expressing fears that the outstanding rewards could affect the team’s morale.
Earlier, Dikko had attributed the delay to administrative procedures, explaining that the disbursement process was being handled by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Finance, insisting that the government’s commitment remained unchanged.
Nigeria will begin the defence of their continental crown at the 2026 WAFCON, taking place in Morocco from July 26 to August 16, aiming to extend their record as Africa’s most successful women’s team by winning an eleventh title.
The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt.
They open their campaign against Malawi on Tuesday, July 28, before facing Zambia on Saturday, August 1, and Egypt on Wednesday, August 5, with all their group matches scheduled to be played in Rabat.
The four teams that reach the semi-finals will also secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Head coach Justin Madugu has largely retained the squad that lifted the trophy in the previous edition. Midfielders Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe and Toni Payne are expected to play key roles, while defender Ashley Plumptre is the biggest omission from the 25-player squad.
The nine-time African champions head into the tournament in encouraging form after defeating Tanzania 2-1 in a preparatory match, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo finding the net.
The team will also don a commemorative jersey featuring ten stars around the national crest, symbolising each of their previous WAFCON titles.
