Dikko confirms houses, $100k largesse paid to Falcons

The National Sports Commission has confirmed that houses and $100,000 cash rewards promised by President Bola Tinubu to the Super Falcons after their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph have now been paid, days before the team begin the defence of their title in Morocco.

Speaking on Friday from Glasgow, where he is attending the ongoing Commonwealth Games, Commission chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said all financial commitments had been completed and that the presentation of house keys would take place this week.

“I am leaving Glasgow for Morocco this week to present keys to the houses, which His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, promised the Super Falcons after they won the last edition of the WAFCON. Even their $100,000 has been paid into their various bank accounts.

“We decided to delay the presentation of the key because we wanted a situation whereby the players will be together. I am sure it will boost their morale ahead of the 2026 WAFCON event, which will kick off in Morocco in a few days,” Dikko said.

The development eases weeks of concern within the Nigerian camp over delayed rewards and reported theft in Morocco, with members of the current squad having openly worried in recent days that the outstanding promises could affect the team’s confidence ahead of another demanding continental campaign.

Dikko had previously explained the delay as a consequence of government processes rather than a change of commitment, noting that the funds were being handled by the Accountant-General’s Office and the Ministry of Finance.

Nigeria enter the 2026 WAFCON, running from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco, as defending and record ten-time champions and overwhelming favourites to win an eleventh African title.

Drawn in Group C, the Super Falcons face Malawi on Tuesday, July 28, before taking on Zambia on Saturday, August 1, and Egypt on Wednesday, August 5, with all three matches to be played in Rabat. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Head coach Justin Madugu has retained much of the squad that captured the previous title, with midfield stars Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe and Toni Payne expected to play leading roles, while defender Ashley Plumptre is the most notable absentee from the 25-player squad.

The Super Falcons head into the tournament on the back of a two-one warm-up win over Tanzania, in which captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo were on target, and will wear a special commemorative jersey featuring ten stars around the national badge to mark each of their previous WAFCON triumphs.