Nigeria Super Falcons still unpaid for 2025 WAFCON triumph days before title defence

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are still waiting to receive their reward money for winning the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) – just days before they begin the defence of their continental crown.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to settle the promised title bonuses for players, coaches and backroom staff, almost a year after the team secured a record 10th WAFCON title in Morocco with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over the hosts.

With the 2026 edition of the tournament in Morocco now only days away, the unresolved payments have fuelled fresh concern about how Africa’s most successful women’s national side is being treated.

Nearly a year on – and still no bonuses

Sports journalist Osasu Obayiuwana revealed that members of the Super Falcons contingent remain unpaid for their 2025 success, despite earlier commitments from officials that the issue would be resolved before the team’s next campaign.

Writing on social media, Obayiuwana said:

“With five days to the start of the #WAFCON in #Morocco , the players, coaches and staff of the @NGSuper_Falcons, despite all I have been told by authorities, are yet to receive their reward money for winning the 10th title last year?”

His comments appear to contradict previous assurances from football authorities that financial obligations linked to the last tournament would be met ahead of the team’s preparations for the 2026 competition.

There has been no official public explanation from the NFF on the latest claims over delayed payments.

Welfare worries ahead of another major tournament

The situation has renewed scrutiny of the welfare and treatment of Nigeria’s women’s national team, who have a long history of disputes over unpaid allowances and bonuses.

The Super Falcons are the dominant force in African women’s football, yet issues around remuneration have recurred at several major tournaments, often overshadowing their on-pitch achievements.

Analysts fear that continued uncertainty over finances could undermine morale and distract from preparations as the team seeks to extend its record haul of continental titles.

The 2025 triumph in Morocco, sealed through a late comeback against the hosts, had been hailed as another landmark in Nigerian women’s football – but the lingering bonus row has cast a shadow over that achievement.

Title defence begins against Malawi

Nigeria will launch the defence of their WAFCON crown in Morocco with an opening Group B match against Malawi on Tuesday, 28 July 2026.

The Super Falcons will then face Zambia on 1 August, before concluding their group-stage campaign against Egypt on 5 August, as they attempt to secure a place in the knockout phase and move closer to an 11th African title.

The team’s preparations have continued despite the off-field controversy, with expectations high that Nigeria will again be among the favourites for the trophy.

However, with kick-off fast approaching and no confirmation that the outstanding reward money has been paid, pressure is likely to mount on the NFF both domestically and internationally to resolve the matter and provide clearer guarantees over the future welfare of the Super Falcons.