TheNigerian Super Falcons achieved a historic milestone by clinching their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)title, defeating hostsMorocco in a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory. This triumph, boldly labeled “Mission X” before the tournament, was met with widespread celebration and significant national recognition.

Following their impressive win,President Bola Tinubu announced a comprehensive package of rewards for the victorious Super Falcons. Each player was awarded national honours(Officer of the Order of the Niger – OON), a cash gift of $100,000 (approximately 152-153 million naira), and a three-bedroom furnished house in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital. This generous gesture was extended to the women’s national basketball team as well, after they secured their fifth straightFIBA Women’s Afrobasket title against Mali. The quick disbursement of these rewards contrasts sharply with past instances where national teams faced delays or had to protest for unpaid bonuses, indicating a change in the current administration's approach to fulfilling entitlements.

Photo Credit: West Africa Weekly

Beyond the presidential accolades, the Super Falcons also benefited from significant prize money and bonuses. TheConfederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Nigeria $1,000,000 for winning the 2024 WAFCON, double the amount from 2022. TheNigeria Football Federation (NFF) pledged 30% of this CAF prize money (around $300,000 or ₦230 million) to be distributed among the squad. Additionally, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF)announced a ₦10 million cash reward for each team member, including players and staff. Technical crew members received $50,000 cash bonuses in place of the players' $100,000.

The victory was not just a sporting triumph but a moment of national pride, eliciting strong emotions from fans and prompting tactical discussions. Coach Edwin Madugu,with his seasoned experience, orchestrated the dramatic comeback againstJorge Vilda’s Morocco,making effective substitutions that led to key goals from players likeEsther Okoronkwo and Jennifer Echegini. The win also sparked light-hearted social media banter, exemplified byBayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface playfully asking Super Falcons' Asisat Oshoalafor a share of her earnings.

However, the lavish rewards also reignited a debate about the pattern of national recognition for heroes in Nigeria. While acknowledging the importance of celebrating national sports achievements, critics argue for a standardized national reward template to prevent “haphazard sharing of money,” especially when the general economic circumstances of the populace are dire. Concerns were raised about the disparity between the rewards given to sports stars and the challenges faced by average civil servants or other national heroes, such as soldiers and police officers, who sacrifice immensely for the country’s safety and stability, often with less recognition or post-retirement support.

Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers

The discussion extended to the welfare of former sports stars, prompted by Chief Segun Odegbami’s submissions about the failing health of members of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winning squad. While acknowledging the contributions of past legends like Christian Chukwu and Peter Rufai, the argument was made that professional athletes, having been well-compensated for their rare skills during their careers, should bear the primary responsibility for their post-retirement well-being. Individuals like Chief Odegbami, who have successfully transitioned into post-retirement careers, serve as examples of this self-reliance, indicating that name recognition often continues to open doors. The sentiment expressed is that the burden of care for former sports stars should not consistently fall on the public conscience, especially when compared to the silent sacrifices of military and police personnel whose families often face abandonment without national outcry.

Ultimately, this victory for the Super Falconsis more than just a title; it’s a legacy moment. It highlights the achievements of the current team and underscores the need to immortalize the women who paved the way over the past 34 years, from the first national team in 1991 to the present squad. Recognizing pioneers like Eucharia Uche, Mercy Akide, and Perpetua Nkwocha through monuments, statues, and Hall of Fame tributes is crucial for inspiring future generations of Nigerian girls and women in sports, ensuring that their contributions are not forgotten while they are still here to receive their due recognition. The visibly proud fathers of players like Ashleigh Plumptre and Omorinsola Babajide, sharing moments of joy after the reception, symbolize the profound impact these sporting successes have on families and the nation.