Super Falcons Set To Receive Full Allowances As President Tinubu Approves Immediate Payment.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate and full payment of outstanding allowances and match bonuses for Nigeria’s Super Falcons, ensuring the team is financially supported ahead of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against Morocco on Saturday, 26 July 2025. The announcement, made on Thursday evening, has been met with widespread approval as players, coaches, and team officials are expected to receive their disbursements by the close of business on Friday.
The National Sports Commission, led by Chairman Shehu Dikko, confirmed that the funds were processed through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on 23 July, covering all entitlements up to and including the final match. This swift action marks a significant shift from past practices, where delays in payments often left athletes waiting long after tournaments concluded. Dikko hailed the move as “policy in motion,” underscoring a renewed commitment to timely support for Nigerian athletes under Tinubu’s administration.
The Super Falcons, who secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the WAFCON semi-finals, are now poised to compete for their 10th continental title. The team’s performance, led by standout players like Michelle Alozie and Rasheedat Ajibade, has sparked national pride, with President Tinubu personally congratulating the squad for their “superlative” display of resilience and skill. The timely payment is seen as a morale booster, eliminating financial distractions as the team prepares for the crucial final.
This gesture extends beyond the Super Falcons, with Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, also set to benefit from prompt payment of their allowances as they begin their 2025 FIBA Women AfroBasket campaign in Côte d’Ivoire. The National Sports Commission has pledged that such prompt disbursements will become standard practice, ensuring athletes receive their dues without delay, resources permitting.
The approval comes amidst ongoing discussions about historical payment disputes, with some sources alleging outstanding allowances dating back to 2021. While NFF President Ibrahim Gusau has denied claims of debts stretching that far, he acknowledged ongoing talks with the government to clear any remaining dues before the tournament’s end. For now, the focus remains on the Super Falcons’ pursuit of glory, with Tinubu urging the team to “bring the trophy home” and cement Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.
