Dikko confirms houses, $100k largesse paid to Falcons

Nigeria's Super Falcons have finally received the houses and $100,000 in cash rewards promised by President Bola Tinubu following their 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations victory. The National Sports Commission confirmed on Friday that all financial commitments have been met, with the presentation of house keys set to occur this week.

Commission chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko stated from Glasgow, where he is attending the Commonwealth Games, that he would travel to Morocco to present the keys. "Even their $100,000 has been paid into their various bank accounts," Dikko added. He explained the delay in presenting the house keys was to ensure all players could be present for the ceremony, aiming to boost their morale ahead of the upcoming 2026 WAFCON event in Morocco.

“

I am leaving Glasgow for Morocco this week to present keys to the houses, which His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, promised the Super Falcons after they won the last edition of the WAFCON. Even their $100,000 has been paid into their various bank accounts.

The confirmation eases weeks of concern within the Nigerian camp regarding the delayed rewards. Some players had openly worried that the outstanding promises could affect their confidence heading into another demanding continental campaign. Dikko had previously attributed the delay to government processes, assuring that the funds were being handled by the Accountant-General's Office and the Ministry of Finance.

Nigeria enters the 2026 WAFCON, held in Morocco from July 26 to August 16, as defending and record ten-time champions. Head coach Justin Madugu has largely retained the squad that won the previous title, with key players like Jennifer Echegini, Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe, and Toni Payne expected to feature prominently. The team will wear a special commemorative jersey with ten stars to mark their previous WAFCON triumphs.

“

We decided to delay the presentation of the key because we wanted a situation whereby the players will be together. I am sure it will boost their morale ahead of the 2026 WAFCON event, which will kick off in Morocco in a few days.