'The funds are already in their accounts' - NSC says Super Falcons have received WAFCON bonuses

Nigeria Sports Commission director general Bukola Olopade has dismissed reports suggesting that the Super Falcons have yet to receive their bonuses following their triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The Falcons, led by coach Justin Madugu, secured their 10th continental title after winning five of their six matches.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament and used the trophy unveiling ceremony with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call for more investment in football facilities to elevate the women’s game in Nigeria.

CAF rewarded the African champions with $1 million, double the prize money from 2022.

President Tinubu further announced that each player would receive $100,000 (about ₦153 million), while 11 members of the technical crew would each earn $50,000 (₦75.6 million).

In addition, every member of the squad was conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and promised a furnished three-bedroom apartment in the government’s “Renewed Hope” housing estate.

However, Ajibade was recently quoted as saying that neither the bonuses nor the presidential promises had been fulfilled.

Speaking to Arise TV, Olopade clarified the situation, insisting that Ajibade’s comments were misinterpreted.

“I’ve spoken to Ajibade, and I have messages on my phone between her and the chairman of the Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, where she vehemently denied saying the bonuses have not been paid,” Olopade stated.

He stressed that the Falcons’ bonuses have indeed been settled, apart from a few delays caused by account-related issues at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“I know authoritatively that all their bonuses have been paid. To then say Ajibade mentioned they’ve not been paid, I don’t think it’s true,” he added.

Olopade further assured that Tinubu’s promises were still in process, noting that bureaucratic procedures were responsible for the delay.

“On the promises of the President, even my own daughter has to wait two or three weeks when I promise her something. The same applies here, the money and houses will come. We’re in a government that fulfils promises.”

The NSC boss concluded by reiterating the commitment of the current NFF leadership to correcting past mistakes.

“We don’t deny athletes their remuneration; we credit them for the good work they’ve done," he added.

With the Falcons’ landmark WAFCON win, Nigerian fans now await the fulfilment of the presidential pledges.