The Federal Government has fulfilled part of its reward package for Nigeria’s Super Falcons by handing over three-bedroom houses to the players ahead of their opening match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The presentation ceremony, held in Rabat on Tuesday, comes as the African champions begin the defence of their continental title against Malawi, with the gesture expected to boost the team’s morale in its quest for a record-extending 11th WAFCON crown.
Officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) jointly presented the housing allocation to the players, fulfilling a promise made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after the team’s victorious 2025 WAFCON campaign.
The NFF confirmed the development in a statement posted on its official X handle.
“NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi on Tuesday presented the 2025 WAFCON triumph rewards promised by the Federal Government to the Super Falcons,” the federation stated.
Each player received the allocation of a three-bedroom apartment under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Estate scheme. The players had earlier received the $100,000 cash reward promised by President Tinubu, while members of the technical crew are also beneficiaries of the government’s reward package.
President Tinubu announced the incentives shortly after Nigeria defeated hosts Morocco to win the 2025 WAFCON title, in addition to conferring national honours on the players and officials for their outstanding achievement.
Although the cash rewards were paid after administrative procedures were completed, the official presentation of the houses was delayed for nearly a year to enable all the players receive their keys together while assembled for the continental championship.
Explaining the decision, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko said the timing was deliberate.
“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,” Dikko said.
He added that presenting the houses just before the tournament would serve as extra motivation for the team.
“We decided to delay the presentation of the keys because we wanted a situation whereby the players would be together. I am sure it will boost their morale ahead of the 2026 WAFCON,” he said.
Nigeria heads into the tournament as the defending champions and Africa’s most successful women’s football nation, having won the continental title a record 10 times.
The Super Falcons opened their Group C campaign against tournament debutants Malawi on Tuesday and are scheduled to face Zambia and Egypt in their remaining group matches.
Beyond the continental title, the tournament carries additional significance as it serves as Africa’s qualification competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Under the qualification format, the four semi-finalists will earn automatic places at the World Cup, while one additional African nation will have an opportunity to qualify through the intercontinental play-offs.
The presentation of the long-awaited housing rewards is expected to further inspire the Super Falcons as they seek to retain their African crown and secure another appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
