Super Eagles players join in rewarding the Falcons as several of them hand over N1m each  

SEVERAL members of the Super Eagles have joined the group of well-wishers supporting the Super Falcons on the recent continental victory by showering them with cash gifts for winning the 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).

Over the weekend, the Falcons won the continental trophy, beating hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final, sparking off wild celebrations among Nigerians. On Monday, the team returned to Abuja where it was received by President Bola Tinubu, who showered them with cash gifts of $100,000 each in addition to giving each team member a three bedroom flat.

In the latest show of solidarity, Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has led a group of his team mates in rewarding the triumphant squad with generous cash gifts. Osimhen, the 2023 Africa Player of the Year, was one of the first to call the Falcons after their victory and his personal financial gesture was swiftly emulated by six other international teammates.

Those joining the donation drive include Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, Southampton’s Joe Aribo and veteran defender Leon Balogun. Each contributed ₦1m ($650) to every one of the 24 players in the Falcons squad, making a collective gift amounting to ₦24m.

All these come on top of the fact that the team members will also receive the national honour the  Officer of the Order of the Niger. Their officials were not left out either as the team’s 11-person coaching and administrative staff also received national awards, housing apartments and $50,000 in cash each.

Furthermore, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum announced an additional ₦10m for each squad member and official . Nigerian Football Federation president Ibrahim Gusau hailed the federal government’s actions as groundbreaking.

He added: “No leader has ever done this for women’s football. This is a message to every girl-child in Nigeria that greatness is possible."

Nigeria's Super Falcons secured their record-breaking 10th title in dominant fashion, beating Tunisia, Botswana, Zambia and defeating South Africa in the semi finals before edging hosts Morocco in a gripping final. They came from two goals down in the final to win the match 3-2 in the 87th minute.