Since the Super Falcons triumphant ‘Mission X’ in Rabat, Morocco, conversation on remuneration has taken the lead across several platforms.
Many have questioned the continued lack of standardized reward structure; some argued that the recent donation by the federal government to the historic WAFCON winners is too much, while others said it’s too small.
Similarly, some have also gone a step further to equate the cost of the gift to monthly wage bill of about 16,000 doctors, 66,000 teachers and over 78,000 lowest ranked officers of the Police Force.
Read also: Queens of Africa: Celebrating Super Falcons’ historic 10th WAFCON crown
While the argument for better remuneration is justified, it should not take away the need to reward people, especially athletes who have given their best in representing the country at international tournaments.
For the first time in the country’s sporting history, the Super Falcons were paid all allowances and match bonuses before the end of the tournament, which is a welcomed development on the part of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
While the move by the NFF could be to prevent dispute, unnecessary distractions or drama in achieving #MissionX, the historic 10th African title was won by the Super Falcons, and that is a more reason to celebrate the ladies for their feat.
“This is not just payment. It is policy in motion and proof of a new era in Nigeria; where our athletes are no longer celebrated only in victory but also respected in process as well as building a new trust between our athletes and the authorities,” Shehu Dikko, chairman, National Sports Commission, said in a statement.
Dikko also disclosed that the gesture is not just a flash in the pan, as it is the new standard for treating Nigerian athletes going forward. “As long as resources are available, what you earn, you will be paid without any delays. What you deserve, you will receive.”
Just as the rewards from the government were pouring in, some private organisations also joined in showing the 10-time African champions a well-deserved acknowledgement. “To the Super Falcons, you are more than athletes, you are inspirations.
Read also: Tinubu’s mindless reward, bigotry, can mar Super Falcons’ future
“You are an inspiration for everyone in Nigeria, every young lady to go out there and make a difference. You are role models, you are ambassadors, and you are proof that when Nigerian women rise, the world will take notice,” Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria, said while hosting the ladies to a celebratory breakfast in Lagos.
As the official telecommunications partner of the NFF, MTN presented N150 million rewards to celebrate the team’s resilience and achievement, with N115 million donated to the players and N35 million to the technical team.
Rasheedat Ajibade, Super Falcons captain, dedicated the trophy to the entire team in acknowledging the achievement of the ladies. “This win is for all of us.”
She also disclosed that the team aims to be global contenders in football after conquering the African continent. “We want to take this to the next level. We want to be global contenders. We don’t want to be just local champions. It’s time to take it to the next level.”
Similarly, the Nigerian ladies also dominated the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 tournament’s official Best XI, with four of the players selected by CAF’s Technical Study Group (TSG).
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Ndozie earned her place between the sticks following a series of commanding displays, while dynamic full-back Michelle Alozie, influential forward Esther Okoronkwo, and tournament top scorer Rasheedat Ajibade also made the cut.
Read also: Super Eagles stars gift N24m to WAFCON-winning Super Falcons
Joining them is Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak, whose creative influence helped guide the hosts to a second consecutive final.
Fellow Moroccan and top striker Ibtissam Jraidi also featured prominently in the line-up.
Ghana’s Portia Boakye and Grace Asantewaa were rewarded for their leadership and consistency despite the Black Queens falling just short of the final, while South Africa’s Karabo Dlamini, Refiloe Jane and Bambanani Mbane were also included after leading Banyana Banyana to a semi-final finish.
The CAF Technical Study Group named Nigeria’s Justin Madugu as the tournament’s Coach of the tournament following his team’s successful title run.
