Super Falcons Receive Houses And $100,000 Ahead Of WAFCON Title Defence
Nigeria's Super Falcons have received a major morale boost ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as the Federal Government has fulfilled the reward package promised after the team's triumph at the previous tournament.
Each player has now received the promised $100,000 cash reward, while the long-awaited presentation of their houses is set to take place in Morocco this week.
National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, speaking from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, confirmed that the payments had been completed and that he would travel to Morocco to hand over the house keys.
According to Dikko, the presentation was delayed so it could be done when the entire squad was together. He expressed confidence that the gesture would inspire the players as they begin the defence of their African title.
The reward package was announced by President Bola Tinubu after Nigeria defeated hosts Morocco to win the 2025 WAFCON. However, the delay in fulfilling the pledge had sparked concerns among fans and former players, while some members of the current squad recently admitted the outstanding rewards had affected morale.
With the payments now made and the houses ready for presentation, attention shifts fully to the tournament.
The 2026 WAFCON will run from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco, featuring 16 teams.
The champions will earn a record $2 million in prize money, while the four semi-finalists will secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Nigeria, aiming for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt. The Super Falcons begin their campaign against Malawi on July 28, before facing Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5, with all matches taking place in Rabat.
Head coach Justin Madugu has retained the core of the squad that won the last edition, although defender Ashley Plumptre misses out.
The team heads into the tournament in high spirits after a 2-1 friendly victory over Tanzania, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo on the scoresheet. Nigeria will also wear a commemorative jersey featuring 10 stars, symbolising their previous WAFCON titles.
Each player has now received the promised $100,000 cash reward, while the long-awaited presentation of their houses is set to take place in Morocco this week.
National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, speaking from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, confirmed that the payments had been completed and that he would travel to Morocco to hand over the house keys.
According to Dikko, the presentation was delayed so it could be done when the entire squad was together. He expressed confidence that the gesture would inspire the players as they begin the defence of their African title.
The reward package was announced by President Bola Tinubu after Nigeria defeated hosts Morocco to win the 2025 WAFCON. However, the delay in fulfilling the pledge had sparked concerns among fans and former players, while some members of the current squad recently admitted the outstanding rewards had affected morale.
With the payments now made and the houses ready for presentation, attention shifts fully to the tournament.
The 2026 WAFCON will run from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco, featuring 16 teams.
The champions will earn a record $2 million in prize money, while the four semi-finalists will secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Nigeria, aiming for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, have been drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt. The Super Falcons begin their campaign against Malawi on July 28, before facing Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5, with all matches taking place in Rabat.
Head coach Justin Madugu has retained the core of the squad that won the last edition, although defender Ashley Plumptre misses out.
The team heads into the tournament in high spirits after a 2-1 friendly victory over Tanzania, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo on the scoresheet. Nigeria will also wear a commemorative jersey featuring 10 stars, symbolising their previous WAFCON titles.
