It is safe to say that the days of handshakes for Nigerian footballers are over as President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on all 24 players and the 11-member technical team of Nigeria's senior women's national football team, the Super Falcons, following their historic victory at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
At the presidential reception held in their honour, President Tinubu awarded each player and technical crew member the title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
He also directed the allocation of one three-bedroom apartment to each player and technical crew member in the government's Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
The President approved a cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 players, and $50,000 equivalent to each technical team member.
"You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable.
"You have inspired me, too. And it's great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you,'' President Tinubu said amid cheers from the jubilant team.
The President recounted the emotional moments of the final match, noting how the team's performance lifted the nation's spirits and united Nigerians from all walks of life.
"Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency.
"Honestly, I didn't want to watch the match. I didn't want to have high blood pressure. But people came in and turned my TV on that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless.
"But I was still watching with the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage. And after that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too.
"But you almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner.
''She doesn't watch the game except when the girls are playing. And at the end of the final whistle, it was joy all over the country,'' he said.
In a further show of appreciation, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also announced a donation of ₦10 million to each of the players and technical team members on behalf of the 36 state governors.
How much in Naira are the girls getting?
At the presidential reception held in their honour, President Tinubu awarded each player and technical crew member the title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
He also directed the allocation of one three-bedroom apartment to each player and technical crew member in the government's Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
The President approved a cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 players, and $50,000 equivalent to each technical team member.
"You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable.
"You have inspired me, too. And it's great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you,'' President Tinubu said amid cheers from the jubilant team.
The President recounted the emotional moments of the final match, noting how the team's performance lifted the nation's spirits and united Nigerians from all walks of life.
"Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency.
"Honestly, I didn't want to watch the match. I didn't want to have high blood pressure. But people came in and turned my TV on that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless.
"But I was still watching with the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage. And after that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too.
"But you almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner.
''She doesn't watch the game except when the girls are playing. And at the end of the final whistle, it was joy all over the country,'' he said.
In a further show of appreciation, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also announced a donation of ₦10 million to each of the players and technical team members on behalf of the 36 state governors.
Congratulations 💐 to them....
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to them.
ReplyDeleteCongratulation, girls 🥳🥳🎉they deserve it. Back in the days we used to play street soccer. Then female football had no recognition .
ReplyDeleteThe kind gesture by the President will spur other athletes to go all the way in making the nation proud.
ReplyDeleteNice one Girls!
Dodo
Awww 🥰 this is so nice from the president
ReplyDeleteCongratulations ladies 🎉🥳 well deserved
Congratulations to them 🎉
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to them.
ReplyDeleteWell done Mr President
Hope it gets to them .
ReplyDeleteCongratulations ladies👍
I wanted to type this
DeleteI hope that up to half of the money gets to them
Nigeria my country.
Congratulations to them
ReplyDeleteCongratulations
ReplyDeleteThat's massive baby
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to our women.
ReplyDeletecongratulations.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to my gender
ReplyDeleteCongratulations.
ReplyDeleteI pray all that was promised to them will get to them. Amen!
100k to.share.abi per person.
ReplyDeleteCongrats