As the Super Falcons step up preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, they are still waiting for the Federal Government to deliver on its promise of $100,000 cash rewards, houses, and national honours certificates. This was announced after their historic 10th WAFCON win last year, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
In December 2025, while giving the Super Eagles their national honours certificates, housing allocations in Abuja or Lagos, and land grants in Abuja for finishing second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko shared in Fez, Morocco, that the Super Falcons’ rewards had already been processed.
The NSC also stated that the players’ cash rewards would go directly into their bank accounts.
"Furthermore, the NSC chairman confirmed that the rewards of houses, national honours and cash awards of the naira equivalent of $100,000, awarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to the Super Falcons and the D’Tigers, have been processed, with the title documents to the houses and national honours certificates available for collection, while the Office of the Minister of Finance and the Accountant General of the Federation are concluding the cash payments directly into the players’ accounts," the commission said in a statement.
But with the 2026 WAFCON coming up fast, the players still have not received the promised cash rewards and other benefits.
This delay is different from what the women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, experienced. They were also promised $100,000 each, housing units, and national honours after winning the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket. Their rewards were given out in March during the team’s training camp in France.
The National Sports Commission explained that the delay in giving the Super Falcons their cash rewards, land documents, and national honours certificates was due to the postponement of the team's camping plans ahead of the 2026 WAFCON.
In contrast, the Super Eagles received their land documents and national honours certificates before they left for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The ongoing delay has raised concerns among former players, who worry it might hurt the team’s morale as they aim for more continental success.
During a recent meeting in Chicago, United States, members of the United Ex-Super Falcons Worldwide expressed that the government’s failure to keep its promises could hurt Nigeria’s chances for an 11th WAFCON title and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Former Super Falcons defender Patience Avre noted that many current players have shared their disappointment over the delay.
"The United Ex-Super Falcons Worldwide feel the pain the present players are facing. They may be training ahead of the WAFCON, but complaints over the unfulfilled promises are getting louder.
"Virtually all the players have hinted to us that there has been no official statement since last year, and nobody talks about it. The players don’t complain openly for fear of being dropped. The government should motivate the players or risk international embarrassment," Avre said.
She added that former players decided to speak out because many past Super Falcons also faced neglect after representing Nigeria.
"The truth is that Nigeria should have been among the world’s top women’s football nations, but poor motivation over the years has been a major setback.
"The Federal Government is capable of adequately rewarding everyone who has brought honour to the country.
"All such successful players deserve proper financial rewards in addition to national honours. Some of us shed blood, tears and sweat without appreciation. Some former Falcons players have died, while others are battling illnesses and injuries sustained while representing Nigeria.
"Some could not settle down to marry, while many married very late. We sincerely hope that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will ensure that both past and present Super Falcons players benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda."
The Super Falcons are currently in camp in Morocco, getting ready for the tournament as they look to defend their African title and secure a spot at the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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