Super Falcons’ Rasheedah Ajibade Says Tinubu’s $100,000 WAFCON Cash Award Yet to Be Paid

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Super Falcons forward, Rasheedah Ajibade, has revealed that the much-celebrated $100,000 cash award and other pledges made by President Bola Tinubu to the Nigerian women’s national football team following their 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Morocco have yet to be fulfilled.

Ajibade, who plies her trade with Atlético Madrid Femenino and is widely recognised for her trademark blue braids and attacking flair, made the disclosure during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo. The conversation, uploaded on YouTube via the channel @WithChude, has sparked renewed debate about unfulfilled promises to Nigerian sports teams.

“We have not received that money. They haven’t paid. Hopefully, they will pay. Please, they have not paid all the promises you heard back and forth,” Ajibade said candidly.

She went on to express disappointment that months after the grand presidential announcement, the players were still waiting for their match bonuses, allowances, and other pledged benefits.

“Honestly, like share giving percentage and everything… People are begging. We have not received it. When they pay it, you will see. Our match bonuses and everything is a work in progress. We have not received anything yet,” she added.

The Presidential Pledge

In July 2024, President Tinubu had approved the naira equivalent of $100,000 (over ₦152 million at the time) for each of the 24 Super Falcons players, and $50,000 for each member of the 11-man technical crew. The announcement came after the team’s stunning 3-2 comeback victory against hosts Morocco in the WAFCON final — a triumph that marked another golden chapter in Nigeria’s women’s football history.

Beyond the financial reward, Tinubu conferred national honours on the players and coaching crew and promised each of them a three-bedroom flat. The State House had described the Falcons’ performance as “awe-inspiring”, praising their resilience and sportsmanship — particularly their decision to visit injured South African player Gabriela Salgado after a tense semi-final win.

Unpaid Bonuses and Wider Concerns

Ajibade’s revelation echoes a long-standing concern in Nigerian sports — the delayed or non-payment of promised rewards to athletes. While presidential announcements often generate nationwide applause, many players and sports analysts argue that the failure to deliver on time undermines morale and questions the government’s commitment to sports development.

Observers recall similar situations in the past where footballers, basketball players, and even Olympic athletes had to stage protests, write petitions, or rely on public outcry before receiving bonuses and allowances promised by both federal and state governments.

D’Tigress and Other Promises

President Tinubu’s generosity was not limited to the Super Falcons. Following their seventh Women’s AfroBasket title win in 2025, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team — D’Tigress — was also promised $100,000 each for players and $50,000 each for technical crew members. D’Tigress had triumphed over Mali 78-64 in a thrilling final, displaying the same grit and determination that earned them continental dominance.

The President lauded D’Tigress for their consistency, commending their ability to uphold Nigeria’s name as a powerhouse in African basketball. However, questions are now being raised about whether the basketball champions will face similar delays in receiving their promised rewards.

A Call for Accountability

Ajibade’s comments have reignited calls for transparency and accountability in the disbursement of funds and fulfilment of pledges to national athletes. Sports administrators, ex-players, and advocacy groups have urged the Ministry of Sports Development and the Presidency to provide a clear timeline for payments, stressing that timely fulfilment of promises boosts athletes’ trust in the system.

For now, the Super Falcons star and her teammates — who brought pride and honour to the nation — remain hopeful that the presidential promises will soon materialise. But as the wait drags on, public patience may be wearing thin.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org