Real reason Super Falcons have not received WAFCON rewards days before Morocco 2026

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are still waiting for the cash rewards, houses and national honours promised by President Bola Tinubu after their dramatic 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph, Afrik-Foot reports.

However, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has revealed that the delay in fulfilling the promises is not because the government has changed its mind.

With the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco only days away, concerns have continued to grow over why the players have yet to receive the rewards announced after they completed their famous “Mission X” by winning a record-extending 10th African title.

The Federal Government had promised every player $100,000, a housing allocation and a national honour following Nigeria’s unforgettable comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the final. The Falcons recovered from 2-0 down at half-time to win 3-2 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.

Morocco raced into a two-goal lead through Ghizlane Chebbak in the 12th minute and Sanaâ Mssoudy in the 24th minute. However, coach Justine Madugu inspired a remarkable second-half turnaround after introducing Rinsola Babajide and Jennifer Echegini.

Esther Okoronkwo pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 64th minute after winning the spot kick herself. Seven minutes later, she provided the assist for Folashade Ijamilusi to level the score before substitute Jennifer Echegini smashed home the winning goal in the 88th minute from Okoronkwo’s free-kick.

The victory earned Nigeria a record 10th WAFCON title and a $1 million champions’ prize, while captain Rasheedat Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie won the Golden Glove after another outstanding campaign.

Super Falcons: Government explains delay as Morocco 2026 approaches

Speaking on the delay, NSC chairman Shehu Dikko said the rewards are moving through the normal government approval process and remain a priority.

“It’s a government process. Those things are off-budget. It has to be provided in the budget and what have you,” Dikko said in comments relayed by UK-based Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana.

“But the President approved their payment since August 2025. It is with the finance people and the Accountant-General’s Office. They are processing it and they are working very hard on it.

“The Minister of Finance is working on it to make sure that money would drop, hopefully before the WAFCON.

“But it doesn’t matter whether the money drops before then or later, they’ll get it. It will be paid to their account; it won’t be paid to anyone else.”

Dikko’s latest assurance comes months after he announced in December 2025 in Fez, Morocco, during the presentation of the Super Eagles’ national honours certificates and housing allocation documents following their 2023 AFCON runners-up finish, that the Super Falcons’ own rewards had already been processed. The NSC also stated at the time that the cash rewards would be transferred directly into each player’s bank account.

Nigeria head into WAFCON 2026 as 10-time African champions and are targeting an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title. The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group C, where they will face Zambia, Egypt and Malawi in Rabat.

The four semi-finalists at the tournament will also qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the four losing quarter-finalists will compete for places in the intercontinental playoffs.