Super Falcons, were honoured in Lagos on Thursday by telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria, following their victorious campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where they clinched a dramatic 3–2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco on Saturday, July 26, at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, Morocco.
The celebratory breakfast, hosted at Eko Hotels & Suites, was filled with emotion, gratitude, and national pride, as MTN presented the team with a N150 million cash reward in recognition of their historic 10th continental title.
The occasion was graced by dignitaries from the federal government, President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Secretary General of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, MTN executives, and enthusiastic supporters.
Karl Toriola, hailed the Super Falcons as national icons and role models.
He said, “You are more than athletes, you are inspirations,” he said.
“You are proof that when Nigerian women rise, the world takes notice. At MTN, we believe in the power of connection, not just through technology, but through the soul and spirit of the people, today, we are connected with pride and joy through the unbreakable spirit of the Super Falcons.”
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, speaking on behalf of the squad, expressed deep gratitude to MTN and the wider community for their support before, during, and after the tournament.
“Thank you so much, everyone, for coming out today to celebrate with us, we appreciate the board of MTN, the CEOs, and everyone who came out to cheer us last evening when we arrived at your office. Thank you for this special host, we feel valued, we feel honored, and we feel respected. This inspires us to be more, to do better, and to keep inspiring the next generation.” She said.
The champions of Africa, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, brought smiles, songs, and celebration to the heart of Lagos midweek as they paid a historic visit to the headquarters of Nigerian Breweries (NB) after their WAFCON 2024 victory.
It was not a regular day at the office for the staff of Nigerian Breweries. The dull atmosphere at the Iganmu head office was replaced with cheers, music and fanfare as the newly crowned African champions walked through the gates with the WAFCON trophy.
The visit was the first of its kind in recent times by a victorious national women’s team to a corporate organisation, and it showed the deep bond between the Super Falcons and Nigerian Breweries—especially its key brands, Goldberg and Amstel Malta, which have supported women’s football in recent years.
The players, dressed in branded tracksuits, were welcomed with singing and dancing by the excited staff.
As the team toured the office, they stopped at every department—marketing, HR, logistics, and more—shaking hands, taking photos, and sharing laughs.
People took selfies with the players, hugged them, and thanked them for making the country proud. “We usually deal with reports and planning, but today was different,” said one staff member. “Seeing our champions up close was something special.”
After the tour, the Super Falcons were treated to a brief indoor ceremony where Nigerian Breweries announced a multi-million-naira donation to the team. The company said the money was a thank-you for the players’ courage, teamwork, and the joy they brought to Nigerians.
The Head of Marketing Communications at Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sandra Amachree, said, “These women have made Nigeria proud. They’ve shown us strength, beauty, and excellence. Nigerian Breweries, through Goldberg and Amstel Malta, is pleased to stand with them—not just today, but always.
“This visit is more than a celebration. It shows what is possible when businesses support sports, especially women’s football. The Super Falcons have done their part. Now it’s our turn to do more,” she remarked
The celebration didn’t stop at the office. After leaving the Nigerian Breweries compound, the Super Falcons boarded an open-top bus for a trophy parade through parts of Lagos.
Starting from Iganmu, the bus moved through Costain, Ojuelegba, Yaba, Jibowu, and Obalende before ending at Ikoyi.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu doesn’t ever fail to excite this writer with his concise approach to issues. The President does things out of strong conviction. He hardly plays to the gallery. No wonder most of his presidential decisions run against the grail. The President gave nothing away with his countenance over what laid in wait for the worthy sports ambassadors. Obviously, the President is a very good listener as epitomised during the Meet the President’s session on Monday, which erupted into a roar when he announced the country’s ‘thank you’ gifts to the girls one has always described here as magicians.
The President on Monday announced monetary rewards, approving the Naira equivalent of $100,000 (approximately N153 million) for each player and $50,000 (N75.6 million) for each member of the coaching crew, totalling N4,503,600,000. He also conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on each member of the victorious squad, as well as a three-bedroom apartment each to go with.
The President’s directive that the girls be paid their outstanding allowances till the semi-final was the elixir which propelled the girls to lift the trophy. One is, therefore, alarmed by the outcry over the President’s gift which would serve as the fillip for the game going forward. France, a renowned soccer nation recognised her World Cup-winning team in 2018, not because teachers or civil servants were unimportant, but because exceptional contributions demand exceptional recognition. For the girls who played and gave out their best, the rewards shouldn’t have been given anything less than what the President announced. I’m glad that the President said the figures should be paid in the equivalent of its value in naira.
One is particularly thrilled that goalkeeper Ann Chiejene benefited from this largesse because she once manned the goalpost during her heydays with the Super Falcons carrying a two-month pregnancy. The President’s gesture to the girls whose backgrounds have been shrouded in secrecy has now provided impetus where they would now become the subject of discussions globally during this transfer window for the new European season. Need I remind you that these girls are breadwinners for their families – ignoring the societal vices around them to eke a living playing football to international levels for both their clubs and country.
One develops goose pimples each time the country’s national anthem is sung at sporting competitions all over the world and a Nigerian or group of Nigerians mounts the podium to celebrate excellence and change the narrative that something good can come out of Nigeria. How much is the N4.5 billion compared to the traction the girls have brought, with the international media celebrating our great nation that is being propelled by the Renewed Hope mantra? Take a bow great Super Falcons!
GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited in a statement described the Falcons’ victory as a testament to the indomitable Nigerian spirit — a spirit defined by resilience, passion, and the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most, pointing out that: “This triumph is not just a sporting milestone; it is an inspiration. Let us harness this moment to invest further in the beautiful game because it helps foster national pride and project a positive image for Nigeria on the global stage.”
What the President has done with the government’s gesture, I dare say, brings back the beauty of the game to the girl child around the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), that there are other platforms to change their destinies through sports. Parents in these LGAs would be happy to allow their kids to play the beautiful game, citing the president’s game-changing gifts.
Nigeria’s Senior women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, were yesterday honoured in Lagos by MTN Nigeria following their victorious campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The coach Justine Madugu-led side last Sunday claimed a historic 10th WAFCON title after a dramatic encounter when they cancelled a first half 2-0 deficit to claim a 3–2 comeback victory over hosts at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, Morocco.
The celebratory breakfast, hosted at Eko Hotels & Suites, was filled with emotion, gratitude, and national pride, as MTN presented the team with a N150 million cash reward in recognition of their historic 10th continental title.
The occasion was graced by dignitaries from the federal government, President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Secretary General of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, MTN executives and enthusiastic supporters.
Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, hailed the Super Falcons as national icons and role models.
“You are more than athletes, you are inspirations,” he said. “You are proof that when Nigerian women rise, the world takes notice.
“At MTN, we believe in the power of connection, not just through technology, but through the soul and spirit of the people, today, we are connected with pride and joy through the unbreakable spirit of the Super Falcons.”
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, speaking on behalf of the squad, expressed deep gratitude to MTN and the wider community for their support before, during, and after the tournament.
“Thank you so much, everyone, for coming out today to celebrate with us, we appreciate the board of MTN, the CEOs, and everyone who came out to cheer us last evening when we arrived at your office. Thank you for this special host, we feel valued, we feel honoured, and we feel respected. This inspires us to be more, to do better, and to keep inspiring the next generation.” She said.
Ajibade further acknowledged the support from the presidency and the federal government.
“We want to thank the President of Nigeria, GCFR, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our First Lady for the huge gifts and honours. It’s a life-changing experience for us. It inspires us to keep representing and flying the flag high at the global level.”
Ajibade stated that the team’s ambitions extend far beyond the continent.
“We’re grateful for winning this 10th title, but we’re not content, we want to be global contenders. We understand the assignment. We know the huge responsibility on our shoulders. And we hope the Federation, the federal government, and private bodies will continue to invest in us so we can take Nigerian women’s football to the next level.” She said.
Board member and non-executive director at MTN Nigeria, Ifueko M. Omoigui Okauru, praised the team’s resilience and used the moment to share a broader message of hope for Nigerians.
She said: “To every Nigerian watching the Super Falcons, let their story be a reminder, never give up, despite the challenges in the country, economic hardship, discouragement, setbacks, never give up on pulling yourself together, never give up on your dreams, and never give up on the power of rising again, these girls have shown us what perseverance looks like, they’ve given us a reason to believe.”
In a stirring display of resilience and determination, the Super Falcons captured the hearts of Nigerians when they overturned a 2-0 deficit to clinch a dramatic 3-2 victory over hosts, Morocco, at the just concluded 2024 WAFCON. Their performance was more than just a football triumph—it was a testament to the unyielding Nigerian spirit. Recognizing this extraordinary feat, President Bola Tinubu hosted and honoured the team for ‘their courage, discipline and patriotic zeal’. Aside the accolades, the players and officials were given unprecedented financial gifts, houses as well as National Honours. The Presidential gesture has since ignited conversations all over with discerning commentators applauding the courageous action of President Tinubu. MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN and TUNDE LIADI write..
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted the victorious Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday following their historic triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, it wasn’t just a moment of celebration but affirmation of a long-standing Nigerian tradition of recognizing, honouring and rewarding its sporting heroes.
But this time, President Tinubu simply took the gesture further beyond the realms of the uninitiated in living up to the oft mantra that ‘ the labour of our heroes should never be in vain’ following the announcement of $100,000 USD and $50,000 USD in Naira equivalents respectively to each of the players and officials aside bestowing on them National Honour of Order of the Niger (OON) as well as three bedroom flats each.
In so doing, President Tinubu in his own characteristic manner simply upped the ante which is a marked departure from the past when sporting heroes were honoured with ‘tokens’ as it were.
Nigerian leaders have, at pivotal moments, turned victories in sport into moments of national pride and unity: From President Shehu Shagari’s gifts to the 1980 Green Eagles that won the country’s first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in front of the home fans in Lagos; to General Sani Abacha’s grand gesture to the Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games’ soccer heroes and medallists; to President Goodluck Jonathan’s generous commendations in 2013 for the victorious Super Eagles that won the AFCON in South Africa and President Tinubu’s new reward gestures.
For the younger readers, the reward culture for sports heroes arguably took definitive shape under President Shehu Shagari. When Nigeria lifted the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time on home soil in 1980, the Green Eagles were treated like royalty.
One of the team’s stars, Sylvanus ‘Quick Silver’ Okpala, recalled in an interview with Vanguard: “It was quite amazing for a secondary school leaver to own a Peugeot 504 car, a house and a national honour, (MON), plus other gifts from individuals and corporate bodies.
According to Okpala, that was a clear signal that Nigeria was ready to treat her athletes as national treasures, adding most Nigerians felt then it was an act of profligacy by showering on the 1980 AFCON-winning squad such ‘gigantic gifts’ as a time many were struggling to eat three square meals.
He continued: “The sky was our limit then. We worked so hard to win the tournament. All that was on our minds was how to win the trophy, nothing less. Thankfully, we eventually won.
“I wouldn’t say they didn’t do enough if you checked how many people were driving 504 GR with air-conditioning as at that time. How many people in Nigeria had national honours and how many people owned houses?
“I think they appreciated what we achieved. No one can say it was not good enough. But I think as Oliver Twist, human beings will always ask for more.
“I was not expecting anything near what we eventually got. Maybe I was expecting something like N500 each. I did not think of a car.
“If you ask me, no group of those who have been playing and winning laurels for Nigeria, before and after us have been so lucky to get what we were given by the Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Dr Alex Ekwueme administration.
“That was the highest gift that has ever been given to footballers,” he added.
In the 1980s, the national U-16 that won the maiden FIFA U-16 Kodak Cup at China 1985 were feted as heroes as the then Military government of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari ‘ordered’ that streets should be named after each of the players in their respective states and were also offered shares at the Nigerian Capital Market among others incentives .
Between then and now , a lot of water has passed under the proverbial bridge of Nigeria’s sporting landscape as the Federal Government from time to time, honoured deserving teams as it deemed fit.
Abacha’s landmark gifts of the 1990s
Fast forward to the 1990s when General Sani Abacha held sway as the Head of State when the Super Eagles won the country’s second AFCON title in 1994 and were handed national Honours as cash gifts. But the 1996 national U-23 soccer team otherwise known as the Dream Team, that made history as the first African team to win Olympic football gold that got bigger pies.
Like the Super Falcons’ unique 10th WAFCON title, the Dream Team’s ‘Gold-rious’ performance in Atalanta was a defining moment for the country. Victory came at a time Nigeria was even considered a pariah nation due to human right abuses and political instability. No wonder a jubilant President Abacha-led government gave each player: ₦1.5 million as cash gifts plus houses and also awarded Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) national honour. While the winning contingent also received plots of land and various gifts from corporate Nigeria.
For Garba Lawal, a member of the historic Atlanta 1996 gold medallists, it would be wrong for anybody to cry over President Tinubu’s gesture to the Super Falcons, adding that what they got in 1996 should never be equated to what the 10th WAFCON winners got.
“There is a big difference,” Garba said in his usual frankness. “At that time, we enjoyed ourselves.”
Yet President Jonathan in 2013 took a big step forward as he opened the nation’s vaults after Stephen Keshi led the Super Eagles to victory at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa.
In what was considered then an ‘unprecedented gesture’ President Jonathan at a glamorous dinner in Abuja gave each player: ₦5 million; A plot of land in Abuja plus MON as National Honours while coach Keshi got ₦10 million as cash gift plus CON in national honour and a plot of land
Philanthropists followed suit, with Mike Adenuga gifting $1 million to the team and $200,000 to Keshi, and others like Tony Elumelu and Emeka Offor contributing $500,000 each.
The Jonathan era also coincided with Nigeria’s victorious outing at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when the coach Manu Garba-led Golden Eaglets won the country’s fourth title at that level. They were also feted and awarded National Honours with token cash gifts considering it was an age-grade competition.
In 2015, the Golden Eaglets were only given a token by President Buhari at a ceremony he recalled the victorious 1985 winning-team and handed them a cash gift of two million naira each ‘ to write the wrong of the past’ as they were not adequately compensated for being the first to win the global cadet competition for the country.
Renewed Hope for Nigeria’s Sports
But with President Tinubu, it is a new dawn and unarguably’ he has surpassed his predecessors in rewarding Nigerian sporting heroes starting with the Super Eagles who came home with silver medal at the delayed 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
They were equally showered with cash gifts, house gifts, landed properties in Abuja plus national honours.
But he simply raised the bar with the ‘extremely lucky’ Super Falcons that delivered the country’s 10th WAFCON title.
Reappointed Golden Eaglets head coach, Manu Garba, said that the Super Falcons deserved every bit of the gifts given to them and he praised President Tinubu for the gesture.
“I think the Super Falcons deserves all the rewards they got on a night we were 2-0 down and the way they fought back with the typical patriotism and never give up spirit of Nigerians and silenced the vociferous Moroccan fans to win the WAFCON a record ten times. Above all they made every Nigerian happy that day,” said Garba, a proud recipient of two national honours for helping Nigeria to win two FIFA U-17 World Cups “In the year 2007 when we won the FIFA U17 World Cup in South Korea, we were lucky to get national honours, Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) and (Member of the Order of Niger (MON) for the players) with three bedrooms flat each at Prince and Princess Estates in Abuja.”
But he further highlighted past neglect of youth champions with the exception of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Korea in 2007 where he opined the team was rewarded.
“But the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup champions in the UAE that scored 25 goals and conceded only 4 were not fortunate to get such rewards and even when we won the AFCON U20 Trophy in Senegal 2015 we are yet to be hosted.
“The team got nothing not even pure water to celebrate winning the Gold Medal in Senegal 2015,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga drew comparisons between President Tinubu and the on-going reality Television show, Big Brother Naija, where the last winner got a star prize of N150 million Naira, writing:“When you remember that Multichoice, the organiser of BBNaija, is offering the winner ₦150 million, you wonder why some Nigerians are unappreciative of President Tinubu’s rewards to the Super Falcons.”
Indeed, many observers see Tinubu’s gesture as a strong political and cultural statement.
Stella Mbachu, a legend of the Super Falcons, lauded the gesture: “In our days we never received such big money, but President Tinubu has come to change the narrative. This gesture will make others wake up.”
Nigeria Football Federation(NFF), President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, praised Tinubu even further, saying: “Mr. President has taken the bull by the horn to abolish the era when the nation’s sports heroes laboured in vain.”
Not all responses were uncritical with Activist Omoyele Sowore raising concern about disparities in the country’s reward systems which he said was not in tandem with the present economic realities.
“Super Falcons trained for a year, played for one month, was rewarded with $100,000 and houses. Police officers work 35 years, retire with $1,500. No houses. No medicals,” he said.
Be that as it may, respected football administrator and erstwhile Vice-President of NFF, Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam, said President Tinubu deserves more kudos than knocks for taking the bull by the horns by handsomely rewarding the Super Falcons for their historic WAFCON title.
“Frankly, I want to commend President for this laudable initiative for rewarding the Super Falcons very well,” Uchegbulam, the no-nonsense former Vice president of CAF Board of Appeals, told NationSports.
“ But let me first and foremost commend him for his appointment of both Mallam Shehu Dikko and Honourable Bukola Olapade into the National Sports Commission(NSC) and I want to believe they gave him that recommendation which he has generously approved.
“ Don’t forget there was a time the Super Falcons won this same trophy and they went ceased the trophy (and refused to come back home) until their allowances were paid and at that time, somebody was the Minister for Sports and somebody was the President as well as somebody in NFF and this was the incident that coast Desire Oparanozie her captainship of the Super Falcons.
“ We have forgotten that happened in the past that a team won the same trophy and were never rewarded.
“ This time, President Tinubu has done well but the President must take a step further that all these promises to the Super Falcons and the Players are fulfilled in a record time.
“ He must ensure that it’s done and should not be like the case of the past Super Eagles that won the AFCON whose house gifts were delayed for a very long time.
“ We should not forget that the Super Falcons still have the Olympics and World Cup tournaments ahead of them, we should not do anything to demoralize their dreams of conquering the world as their captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, said.”
Uchegbulam in his usual manner of demanding equity, would further make case some of the past Nigerian soccer heroines: “ I only have pity for the girls that won the same WAFCON from 1st to 9th but were not so rewarded as the current team by President Tinubu. Those ones were just unlucky while these set were lucky to have won the 10th title and have been adequately rewarded.
“ But we cannot forget players like Florence Omagbemi, Mercy Akide-Udoh, Perpetual Akide and others who were pacesetters; these are Trojans who needed to be recognised ,” he affirmed.
Yet Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, one of the drivers behind the hugely successful maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), has called on President Tinubu to address the issue of sports development in all its ramifications.
“It gladdens my heart that without being political the President rewarded the girls because what they did was heroic. He rewarded them beyond anybody could have suggested and the President always keeps his promises,” Ikpokpo told NationSports. “Though I believe that the reward (for the Super Falcons) was too much, it shows the forcefulness of how they (the government) view sports which is commendable.
“Sports must be seen as important as road constructions or even more important than it. At the level of every sector of the Nigerian economy sports is dealing with humans.
“Imagine if you provide the facilities at all various forms of the government to transform the athletes into money making machines. We seem to have a knee jerk approach. Maybe USD 10,000 or USD 20,000 would have been fair especially in a country we have the challenges bedevilling us today.
“I think injecting a lot of money into sports will help to transform it. Athletics which I feel is at par with football is not giving its right of place. I think money should be injected into athletics.
“ MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja nobody goes there. We need to start bringing activities into the stadium as well as other states too. I don’t have a problem with their reward system. The girls did the magic and lifted us up with the victory.
“The honour done on the Super Falcons has given us a reason to reflect on the state of sports in Nigeria. There must be plans for the next generation”
Ikpokpo who recently mounted the rostrum as chairman of Delta State Athletics further canvassed for inclusiveness in managing of all sporting federation. He continued: “Football seems to be the king of sports but if athletics is well managed, it can’t beat athletics anywhere. But because we do not have a system that’s properly planned and rewarding.
“ good enough , we a new board in the AFN and the leadership of the NSC is also new but we hope all of us can put our thoughts together and have a plan and work with it.”
“We have a lot of talents and this is why the NDCC sponsoring the Niger Delta Sports Festival is very instructive and in the nearest future, we would see that Team Nigeria would be dominated by athletes from that part of the country,” Ikpokpo posited.
That the Super Falcons of Nigeria just achieved their “La Decima” — 10th continental title — accompanying their “Mission X” in grand style, is stale news. A nation can’t be more grateful to these brave, never-say-die, young women.
What continues to gall is the ugly sore-losing vibes from Morocco, double losing finalists in both 2022 (to South Africa) and 2024 — though played in 2025 — (to Nigeria). Morocco is primed to host again in 2026.
Would they suffer a hat trick of final losses, as triple hosts next year, if they reach the final again? Or put their house in order, instead of wailing and screeching over split milk? The choice is open to them!
Though Morocco — to use that modified cliche — snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, by giving up a two-goal lead in the first 24 minutes, to crumble to three spectacular goals in the last 30 minutes, they had started manifesting bad faith from the eve of the July 26 final.
Were they scared of the Falcons? It would appear so. That’s hardly unsportsmanlike, though. Mutual scare — particularly in a make-or-break final — leads to mutual respect, which elevates the level of competition.
What was awry was their resort to foul tactics. On July 25, Morocco outed with an odd petition questioning the Nigerian nationality of two anchors of the Nigerian defence: Ashleigh Plumptre (left back) and Michele Alozie (right back). How this pair, who FIFA had endorsed for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, would suddenly become ineligible Nigerians to CAF, is not only strange but laughable!
But then you could track the ill motive. The two were commanding empresses in the Nigeria stellar defence that conceded zero goal, in open play, until the final. The first goal they conceded, against South Africa in the semi-final, was a penalty. They also, with their over-lapping, prompted an attack that pumped in 11 goals before the final but conceded only one! Alozie claimed one of those goals — that dramatic, last-grasp winner against South Africa.
The Morocco petition reportedly unnerved Plumptre — she was reportedly so hurt in training her team mates had to offer her support — and many even claimed that accounted for her poor play in the final’s first half. Still, the Falcons took everything in their chin and showed the guts of true champions.
Even after the loss, Morocco has persisted with their funny petition — good luck! Still, a friendly advice: Nigeria didn’t win 10 out of 13 finals, by writing sterile petitions or beaming laser lights on opposing players and coaches, as Morocco fans did in that memorable final. They buckled down and spoke the hard language on the pitch.
Morocco had better get serious. Otherwise, they would be fated to another loss in 2026. Better to plan for future successes than remain grumpy losers over a lost cause.
Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has defended members of the Super Falcons over their decision to kneel while greeting President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu, describing the gesture as a sign of respect rooted in Nigerian culture.
In a social media post, Omokri argued that showing deference to leaders and elders is a universal norm, citing former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, who curtsied to Prince William despite being 25 years older.
He also referenced notable Nigerians who have demonstrated similar gestures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo prostrating for the Ooni of Ife and Olu of Warri, and Governor Biodun Oyebanji prostrating for legal icon Chief Afe Babalola.
“Kneeling or bowing does not diminish one’s dignity—it upholds our cultural values,” Omokri said, criticising those condemning the Super Falcons’ action. He labelled such critics as “uncultured and uncouth.”
He urged Nigerians not to be misled by negative narratives, stressing that the players’ actions should be celebrated for reflecting Nigeria’s rich tradition of respect and humility.
He wrote, “This is a photo of the then British Prime Minister, Theresa May, kneeling to greet Prince William on Thursday, August 9, 2018, when the Prince of Wales was still third in line to the throne. With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, He is now second in line. By age she is twenty five years older than Prince William.
“The act of kneeling or bowing down to greet the Head of State of a country and worthy elders does not strip you of your dignity. It only shows that you are a cultured person.
“Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is the longest-serving Nigerian leader, yet he prostrates flat to greet the Ooni of Ife and the Olu of Warri. Biodun Oyebanji is the Governor of Ekiti. Nevertheless, he prostrated flat on his stomach to greet Chief Afe Babalola. Wizkid did the same for King Sunny Ade.
“Are you better than them? No wonder you are where you are! Do not let them gaslight you. The Super Falcons acted in a most dignified manner by kneeling to greet President Bola Tinubu. Only uncultured and uncouth people consider such a civilised and virtuous action as undignified”.
Prince Dotun Babayemi, a stalwart of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has commended President Bola Tinubu for honouring and rewarding the Super Falcons for doing the country proud by winning the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco last Saturday .
Also, Babayemi further urged government at all levels in Nigeria to evolve mechanisms that would help sports development at the grassroots so as to guard against generational loss
While hosting the victorious Super Falcons on Monday, President Tinubu had announced cash gifts, houses and national awards to the players and technical crew for winning the WAFCON for a record-extending 10th time.
In a release from his media office ,Babayemi maintained that it was a thing of joy that the Super Falcons did the country proud by winning the coveted trophy, adding that it was equally heart-warming they have been adequately rewarded by the sports-loving President Tinubu.
“The gesture of President Bola Tinubu was prompt and commendable. It will drive a new message of hope and encouragement into the consciousness of Nigerians, especially the youth on the need to be committed and dedicated to the course and ideals that will make Nigeria great and always be at the front row in the comity of nations,” the Gbongan-born Prince said.
He added that the President’s gesture would help to secure the future of the young girls, adding that it would equally assist in raising new generation of players who would want to give their all for the country in different endeavours they find themselves.
In addition, he noted that the feat would propel their male counterparts to also go all out so as to ensure that the nation succeeds at various footballing and other sporting engagements before them.
“This is indeed a commendable gesture by President Tinubu. Such a reward system will definitely spur many young ones out there who are plying the same trade of football and others in different endeavours, to always give their best to the make the country proud,” said Babayemi
He added :” The Super Falcons’ victory will no doubt, serve as an impetus and the needed verve that will inspire our youth at different levels. At the same time, their male counterparts, the Super Eagles, will be spurred into giving their best to the nation at every different footballing tournaments. Not only that, others in different sporting activities, will always make the nation first before thinking of pecuniary gains.”
Meanwhile, as the country is still engulfed in the euphoria of the victory of the Super Falcons, he has advised that it was high time sports was given due attention at the grassroots for an enduring all-round growth and development of sports in the country.
Organisers of the prestigious Nigeria Pitch Awards have congratulated the Nigerian Super Falcons who emerged winners of the 2025 Women’s African Cup of Nations for the 10th time on Saturday after defeating the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco in a dramatic and pulsating final.
In a statement released in the nation’s capital Abuja, Dr Shina Philips, the President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, praised the team for their exceptional courage and fighting spirit.
“Our girls demonstrated the never-say-never approach that the average Nigerian is known for. Their eventual victory, especially in the final game, when they went two goals behind in just 25 minutes after the start of the match, should be a boost to all Nigerians in the face of our current challenges,” Philips said.
While congratulating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all Nigerians for this landmark achievement, Dr Philips encouraged Nigerians to be steadfast in their support for the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation.
“We commend the President for his support for the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation. Both bodies are working in synergy to improve the fortunes of Nigeria’s national teams at all levels,” Philips noted.
Philips praised the exploits of our national teams, stressing that the Nigeria Pitch Awards is confident that the victory of the Super Falcons at the recently concluded WAFCON in Morocco will serve as a springboard for other national teams to excel in continental and global football competitions.
“We will continue to restate our belief that in the near future, the Super Eagles will win the World Cup,” Philips said.
He also stated that organisers were proud of the individual exploits of the Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade and Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, who were both nominated for the Queen of the Pitch Award at the 11th Award Ceremony of the Nigeria Pitch Awards.
Rasheedat Ajibade emerged winner of the Queen of the Pitch Award.
The Super Falcons are the most successful team in the Women’s African Cup of Nations. Last week, the team won their 10th WAFCON title after going undefeated in 6 matches and scoring 14 goals. The Super Falcons were winners of the first five editions of the competition, which began in 1998 in Nigeria. The team finished in 3rd place in 2008 and have emerged winners again in 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2024.
The Nigeria Pitch Awards held its maiden award ceremony in Calabar in 2013. Winners on the platform are decided by votes cast by over 100 sports editors across the country in a process coordinated by SIAO Partners, a firm of accountants and auditors. The 12th Award Ceremony of the Nigeria Pitch Awards is scheduled for December 2025.
Strategic partners to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the President Federation Cup (PFC), GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, have extended heartfelt congratulations to the Super Falcons following their dramatic and resilient 3–2 comeback victory over host nation Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, said in a statement that the investment banking firm lauded the senior women’s national team for making the nation proud, praising their exceptional determination, teamwork, and the never-say-die spirit that led them to lift the WAFCON trophy for a record-extending tenth time.
“We congratulate the Super Falcons for delivering a legendary five-star performance against a determined Moroccan side in the 2024 WAFCON final at the iconic Stade Olympique in Rabat,” the statement read. “Despite trailing 2–0, the Super Falcons staged a stunning comeback to secure a 3–2 victory, reaffirming their dominance in African women’s football.”
GTI described the Falcons’ victory as a testament to the indomitable Nigerian spirit — a spirit defined by resilience, passion, and the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
In the thrilling final, Morocco sent the home crowd into a frenzy by taking an early 2–0 lead through goals from Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy. However, the Super Falcons sparked a dramatic turnaround in the 64th minute when Esther Okoronkwo converted a penalty. That goal ignited belief among the Nigerian faithful, which was quickly rewarded when Folashade Ijamilusi netted a powerful equalizer.
The defining moment came in the 88th minute, as Jennifer Echegini soared above the Moroccan defenders to head home the winning goal — crushing the Atlas Lionesses’ dream of a maiden WAFCON title on home soil.
Looking ahead to the next edition of the tournament in 2026 — also to be hosted by Morocco — GTI emphasized the importance of sustaining the momentum generated by this historic victory. The firm also called on Corporate Nigeria to intensify its support for women’s football and sports development in general to further enhance their brand equity through partnership deals with professional Football leagues and the Federation.
“This triumph is not just a sporting milestone; it is an inspiration. Let us harness this moment to invest further in the beautiful game because it helps foster national pride and project a positive image for Nigeria on the global stage,” the statement concluded.
