Nigeria’s first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, generously awarded $10,000 to each player of the Super Falcons as a reward for their remarkable performance in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand.
Despite their elimination in the Round of 16, the Super Falcons left a significant mark on the tournament.
The team, which has been crowned African champions nine times, exited the competition during the Round of 16 phase.
Under the leadership of Randy Waldrum, the team faced a 4-2 penalty shootout defeat against the European champions, England.
After an exhilarating 120 minutes of play, the match concluded in a goalless draw.
Having held the Olympic champions, Canada, to a draw and secured a victory against co-hosts Australia in the group stage, the nine-time African champions displayed their prowess.
Tinubu hosted the team in Abuja this week and praised the for their “unbreakable spirit and unwaveringly strength”.
A member of the team, Osinachi Ohale praised the first lady for her kind gesture.
“We are grateful for this unexpected gesture because for several years we’ve been winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) and I can’t remember us being honoured or rewarded this way,” the experienced Ohale told BBC Sport Africa.
“We appreciate the federal government for their support and encouragement. And we also thank Nigerians for the remarkable support during the tournament.
“Nigeria is a country where the public appreciate good things. When you do something good, they will show appreciation, and when you don’t do well, they will still show it – they will forget the good things you’ve been doing, so that’s how it is,” she laughed.
“I’m just happy we were able to put a smile on their faces.”