Soccer
Reigning African champions Super Falcons have received a massive good news on the eve of their campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has finally fulfilled its long-awaited reward package for the Super Falcons. The FG is set to hand over the houses and pay the $100,000 cash reward promised to every player after their WAFCON success last year.
The announcement comes just days before the Super Falcons begin the defence of their continental crown at the 2026 WAFCON. It is a development that will certainly ease weeks of concern over the delayed rewards and reported theft in Morocco, and give the team a major morale boost before the tournament kicks off.
Speaking on Friday from Glasgow, where he is attending the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, confirmed that all financial commitments had been completed and that the presentation of the house keys would take place this week.
“I am leaving Glasgow for Morocco this week to present key to the houses, which His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu promised the Super Falcons after they won the last edition of the WAFCON,” Dikko told the Guardian.
“Even their $100,000 has been paid into their various bank account. 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.”
President Bola Tinubu had announced the reward package after Nigeria defeated hosts Morocco to win the 2025 WAFCON title. However, there was a year-long delay in fulfilling the pledge, with supporters and former players questioning whether the promise would be honoured before the team returned to Morocco to defend their crown.
Earlier this week, members of the current Super Falcons squad openly expressed concern that the outstanding promises could affect the team’s confidence as they prepared for another demanding continental campaign. Those fears have now been addressed with the confirmation that the money has reached the players’ bank accounts and that the houses will officially be handed over while the squad is together in Morocco.
Soccer Nigeria: Super Falcons target historic 11th WAFCON title and World Cup qualification
The timing of the government’s decision could prove crucial as Nigeria prepares for the most competitive edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The 2026 WAFCON runs from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco, which is hosting the tournament for the third consecutive time. The competition has expanded to 16 teams, while the eventual champions will receive a record $2 million in prize money. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, making every match in Morocco extremely important.
Nigeria enter the tournament as defending champions and overwhelming favourites, as ranked by FIFA, to win a record-extending 11th African title. Drawn in a difficult Group C, the Super Falcons will face Malawi on Tuesday, July 28, before taking on Zambia on Saturday, August 1, and Egypt on Wednesday, August 5. All three matches will be played in Rabat with kick-off scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Nigerian time.
Head coach Justin Madugu has retained much of the squad that captured the previous title. Midfield stars Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe, and Tony Payne are expected to play leading roles after helping Nigeria conquer Africa in the last edition. Defender Ashley Plumptre is the most notable absentee from the 25-player squad.
The Super Falcons also head into the tournament with confidence after defeating Tanzania’s Twiga Stars 2-1 in their final warm-up match. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade and comeback queen Esther Okoronkwo scored the goals, while Nigeria will also wear a special commemorative jersey featuring 10 stars around the national badge, representing each of their previous WAFCON triumphs.
Read MoreImhonlamhen