The Nigerian Super Falcons recently achieved a historic milestone by clinching their 10thWomen’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)title, defeating hosts Morocco in a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory. This triumph, dubbed “Mission X” by the team, sparked widespread celebration and led to significant national recognition and rewards from the Nigerian government.

Following their victory, President Bola Tinubu announced substantial rewards for the Super Falcons players. Each player was awarded national honours, specifically the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), a cash gift of $100,000 (approximately ₦152 million), and a three-bedroom house in Abuja. Similarly, the women’s national basketball team also received matching cash rewards and national honours after securing their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title against Mali. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) contributed significantly with a $1,000,000 prize for Nigeria’s WAFCON win, which is double the amount awarded in 2022. Additionally, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum pledged ₦10 million in cash to each team member, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)committed 30% of the CAF prize money (around $300,000) for distribution to the squad. Technical staff also received substantial bonuses and the OON honour, with their cash bonus set at $50,000. These comprehensive rewards are expected to be disbursed swiftly, a contrast to past issues with unpaid bonuses for national teams.

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The dramatic WAFCON final saw Morocco take an early 2-0 lead, prompting initial criticism of Nigerian interim head coach Edwin Madugu. However, a strong second-half performance, tactical adjustments, and key substitutions, including the impactful Esther Okoronkwo,led to the Super Falcons’ comeback. Jennifer Echegini sealed the victory with an exquisite free kick. The coaching duel between Madugu and Morocco’s Jorge Vilda, who had previously led Spain to a World Cup title, was a central point of discussion. The win was deeply fulfilling for fans and players alike, cementing the Super Falcons’ status as Africa’s queens of football.

While the celebration of national sports heroes is widely accepted, a critical debate has emerged regarding the haphazard nature of these rewards. The discussion calls for the development and gazetting of a national reward template for all sports teams to ensure consistency across administrations, rather than doling out money disproportionate to the general economic circumstances of the populace. The article also highlights the plight of many former sports stars, such as members of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nationswinning squad, who face health challenges without adequate long-term support, raising questions about whether the burden of their care should fall solely on public conscience. It is argued that these professionals were paid for their skills during their careers and, like other professionals, should plan for post-retirement life.

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Furthermore, the piece contrasts the recognition given to sports heroes with the often-overlooked sacrifices of military and police personnel who risk their lives daily for national security. These 'real heroes' often retire quietly with modest pensions, without the national attention or substantial rewards enjoyed by athletes, even when facing severe injuries or loss of livelihood. This disparity underscores a call for a more equitable and systematic approach to national recognition for all those who serve the country.

Amidst the serious discussions, there were lighter moments. Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface engaged in playful social media banter with Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoalaregarding the substantial prize money. Also, the fathers of two key players, Ashleigh Plumptre and Omorinsola Babajide, were captured sharing proud moments, celebrating their daughters’ instrumental roles in the victory. Super Falcons defender Oluwatosin Demehin, who played all six games in the tournament, expressed her gratitude for the team’s unity and her aim to replicate national success at her club, Galatasaray, after securing her first trophy with the national team.