Super Falcons given long-awaited houses and $100,000 bonuses ahead of WAFCON title defence

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have finally received the houses and $100,000 cash bonuses promised for their 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph, just days before they begin the defence of their continental title at WAFCON 2026 in Morocco.

The Federal Government’s long-delayed reward package – pledged to every player after last year’s success – has now been fully delivered, with money transferred into players’ bank accounts and arrangements in place to hand over house keys while the squad is together in Morocco.

The confirmation ends months of uncertainty that had overshadowed Nigeria’s preparations, and comes amid reports of a theft incident involving the team in Morocco and growing unease among current squad members over whether the promises would ever be honoured.

NSC chief confirms pledge fulfilled

Speaking on Friday from Glasgow, where he is attending the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, confirmed that all financial obligations to the Super Falcons stemming from the 2025 victory had now been settled.

He said the process of officially presenting the keys to the houses would be completed this week, ensuring the squad receives the full package of rewards while still in camp.

President Bola Tinubu had announced the incentive scheme after Nigeria beat hosts Morocco to lift the 2025 WAFCON trophy. However, the delivery of those rewards was held up for a year, prompting criticism from supporters and ex-players and questions over whether the commitment would be met before the team returned to Morocco to defend their crown.

Earlier this week, several members of the current Super Falcons squad made clear that the outstanding bonuses and housing promises were weighing on their minds, suggesting the issue risked undermining confidence ahead of another demanding campaign. Those worries have now been eased by the confirmation that the money has arrived and the housing allocation will be formalised during the tournament.

High-stakes WAFCON in Morocco

The timing of the payout is significant as Nigeria prepare for what is expected to be the most competitive edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to date.

The 2026 WAFCON, staged in Morocco for the third successive time, runs from 26 July to 16 August and has been expanded to 16 teams. The eventual champions will receive a record $2m in prize money, underlining the tournament’s growing stature.

There is also a major global incentive: all four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, meaning every knockout place could carry enormous consequences for the nations involved.

Champions and favourites

Nigeria arrive as defending champions and, according to FIFA rankings, the standout favourites to claim an unprecedented 11th African title.

They have been drawn in a testing Group C and will open their campaign against Malawi on Tuesday, 28 July, before facing Zambia on Saturday, 1 August, and Egypt on Wednesday, 5 August. All three fixtures are scheduled to be played in Rabat, with kick-off at 21:00 Nigerian time.

Head coach Justin Madugu has opted for continuity, keeping the core of the squad that lifted the trophy in 2025. Midfielders Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe and Tony Payne are all expected to be central to Nigeria’s play once again after impressing during the previous tournament.

Defender Ashley Plumptre is the most notable omission from the 25-player list, leaving Madugu without one of his most recognisable backline figures as he looks to steer Nigeria to back-to-back titles.

Final tune-up and symbolic kit

On the pitch, the Super Falcons head into WAFCON in positive mood after a 2-1 victory over Tanzania’s Twiga Stars in their final warm-up game. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade was on the scoresheet, while Esther Okoronkwo – described as the “comeback queen” – also found the net to continue her return to prominence in the national side.

Nigeria will also wear a specially designed commemorative jersey in Morocco, featuring 10 stars around the national badge to mark each of their previous WAFCON triumphs – a visual reminder of their dominance in African women’s football as they chase an 11th crown.

With the long-promised government rewards now delivered, off-field distractions eased and a largely settled squad at his disposal, Madugu will hope the Super Falcons can translate renewed morale into another commanding campaign on the continental stage.