Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his generous recognition of the Super Falcons. The team achieved a historic 10th title at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-2 win over Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses. In celebration of this significant accomplishment, President Tinubu announced a reward package that includes $100,000 for every player, $50,000 for each member of the coaching and support staff, a three-bedroom apartment in the Renewed Hope Housing Estate in Abuja, and the granting of national honors – specifically, the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) award to all players and staff. Dikko commended the President for his steadfast support and forward-thinking leadership, stating, “President Tinubu is a leader who fosters and acknowledges excellence.” Thanks to his unwavering backing, our sports ecosystem has established a definite path forward. The Commission expresses its profound gratitude for the financial and policy support he has extended to the NSC. “Nigerian sports is experiencing significant growth, and this recent action is evidence of that,” Dikko expressed to the NSC media. Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), also expressed his gratitude to Tinubu for his generous act. “I am thrilled because the President has accomplished something that no previous leader has done.” Today is a wonderful day for women’s football and for the sport of football as a whole. According to Gusau, this decision by the President will encourage girls in our nation to aspire for success through honest means. “Football has consistently served as a powerful connector among people from diverse physical and mental challenges, as well as different economic statuses.” With this statement from the President, girls will now recognize that they can attain greatness through sports and any other honorable career or calling.
