The Federal Government has fulfilled its long-standing promise to reward members of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, presenting each player with the keys to a three-bedroom house and confirming that the promised $100,000 cash reward has been paid into their bank accounts ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The presentation was made by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, who explained that the government intentionally delayed handing over the housing allocations until the players were assembled for international duty.
According to him, the decision was aimed at boosting the team’s morale as they begin the defence of their continental title.
Dikko revealed that while the housing documents were presented together, the cash component of the reward had already been transferred to the players’ individual bank accounts after the completion of administrative procedures.
He described the fulfilment of the government’s pledge as a demonstration of its commitment to rewarding athletes who bring honour to the country.
The rewards were initially announced by President Bola Tinubu following the Super Falcons’ triumph at the previous WAFCON, where Nigeria secured a record-extending 10th continental title.
However, delays in the distribution of the benefits had attracted criticism from former players and stakeholders, who feared the unfulfilled promises could negatively affect the team’s motivation ahead of the 2026 tournament.
Nigeria entered the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco as defending champions and the most successful nation in the competition’s history, having won the title 10 times.
The tournament also serves as Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification.
The fulfilment of the government’s pledge is expected to provide a significant morale boost for the Super Falcons as they pursue an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title.
Football stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as an important step in recognising and rewarding the achievements of Nigeria’s women’s national team while reinforcing confidence ahead of another major continental campaign.
