Super Falcons news: $100,000 each paid, ending a 15-month wait

The Super Falcons have each received the naira equivalent of $100,000 for winning the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, the National Sports Commission announced, completing President Bola Tinubu's cash pledge.

The commission's statement, dated Monday 2 November, says coaches and other officials received the naira equivalent of $50,000 each, as reported by Naija News. Tinubu announced the package at a presidential reception on 28 July 2025, after Nigeria came from two goals down to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final in Rabat for a 10th title.

Players had already received title documents for three-bedroom apartments in Abuja and certificates confirming the Officer of the Order of the Niger honour. The cash payment is the part that had been awaited.

Dikko: the President has honoured his commitment

National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko thanked the President in the statement.

The Super Falcons made Nigeria proud, and Mr President has honoured his commitment to them in full.

Dikko added that some sports heroes had endured years of waiting for promised rewards. The Finance, Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, and Housing and Urban Development ministries were credited with the delivery.

Analysis: a 15-month wait, and a pattern

The gap between the July 2025 pledge and the November 2026 payment is about 15 months, long enough for the squad's fortunes to change, as our reports on missing the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic qualifier show.

D'Tigress, Nigeria's women's basketball team, received $100,000 per player in September 2026 after winning the 2025 Women's AfroBasket, with officials on $50,000 each. Taken together, the two payments suggest that women's champions are now being paid the same headline figure, although the statement lists no naira amounts.

With the payment settled, the conversation can move back to the pitch.