Nigeria Wafcon: Victorious players promised $100,000 cash award and apartment
Tinubu said the victory was a "triumph of courage, determination and consistency" adding that at some point "didn't want to watch the match" because of the stress."Today, you returned home as champions of Africa," he said. "We could not be prouder."On their arrival at the main airport in the capital, Abuja, the team had been welcomed by traditional dancers, drummers, journalists and government officials. They were then escorted to the presidential residence in a convoy.Tinubu conferred national honours, the Officer of the Order of the Niger, to all the players and staff, saying this was "on behalf of a grateful nation".Captain Rasheedat Ajibade said that her team's victory was for "every young girl in our villages, towns and cities who dares to dream".She also outlined her vision for the Super Falcons to become the best team in the world but said this can only happen with continued support from the football federation and government.The Super Falcons have won 10 of the 13 editions of Wafcon since it began in1998. The president described the latest win as a "milestone in the history of sport".While the players celebrated the extra gifts from the president, in the past, both the men's and women's national football teams in Nigeria have had repeated issues with the authorities over delayed payment of bonuses and salaries.The government has only just honoured its three-decade promise of new homes for the victorious men's team, the Super Eagles, which won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.The Super Falcons have several times been involved in sit-in protests during major tournaments over pay issues, including after their 2023 Women's World Cup run.There has also been concerns over pay disparities, and in recent years, fans have called for them to be paid the same as the Supee Eagles.Ahead of their final match on Saturday, Tinubu reportedly approved players' match allowances and bonuses, including backdated payments, adding that this would the standard practice in the future.
You may also be interested in:
What we learned from Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024Wafcon winner will stay in my heart forever - EcheginiWatch: The Wafcon star who is also a doctor
Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
25 minutes ago
- The Independent
Celtic and Rangers learn potential Champions League play-off round opponents
Celtic have been drawn against Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan or Slovakian side SK Slovan Bratislava in their Champions League play-off tie. Elsewhere, previous winners Benfica were drawn against either Feyenoord or Fenerbahce, while FC Basel will take on Malmo or F.C. Copenhagen. Brendan Rodgers ' side reached the knockout round play-off stage of the competition last season from the 36-team league phase, where they lost 3-2 on aggregate to German giants Bayern Munich. Slovan Bratislava are the Slovakian champions and the country's most successful club, having secured their 30th league title last year. The last time they met Celtic was last season, when the Scottish side won 5-1 in the opening game of the Champions League group phase. FC Kairat, from Almaty, are champions of the Kazakhstan Premier League. Despite their domestic success, the club have never made the group or league phase in any competition. Rangers will take on Austrian side Salzburg or Club Brugge of Belgium in the play-off round if they get through their third qualifier against Viktoria Plzen. Russell Martin 's side, who reached the third qualifier with a 3-1 aggregate win over Greek side Panathinaikos, take on the Czech club in the first leg at Ibrox on Tuesday night. Club Brugge finished second in the Belgian League last season, and reached the last-16 of the Champions League before losing 6-1 on aggregate to Aston Villa. Salzburg finished a narrow second in the Austrian Bundesliga behind Sturm Graz, having come a low 34th in the league phase table in this competition. The play-offs are the last round of qualifying matches before the 'competition proper' begins in September with the league phase, with ties taking place in the weeks of 18/19 August and 26/27 August. Both Old Firm clubs are at home for the first leg of the play-off round, which will be played on August 19 or 20. The return fixture will take place on August 26 or 27.
Reuters
25 minutes ago
- Reuters
Falcons finalize two-year extension with RT Kaleb McGary
August 4 - The Atlanta Falcons signed right tackle Kaleb McGary to a two-year contract extension through 2027 on Monday, with ESPN reporting the deal is worth $30 million. McGary, 30, helped the Falcons finish 10th in rushing offense last season at 130.5 yards on the ground per game. Atlanta also was sixth in the NFL in total yards per game (369.8). The 6-foot-6, 330-pounder now has added responsibilities to protect the back side of left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who is expected to take over full time after starting the final three games last season. Atlanta went 1-2 in those games, with both losses in overtime. McGary was a first-round draft pick by the Falcons in 2019 out of Washington and has started 92 of the 93 games he has appeared in over six NFL seasons. --Field Level Media
Daily Mail
25 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Newcastle pushing hard to agree Benjamin Sesko deal with RB Leipzig after being told the striker is willing to join them - with Man United still in the race but yet to make formal offer
Newcastle are tonight pushing ahead to agree a deal with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko after being given encouragement the striker wants to join. It is not known what the Slovenian's camp have communicated to Manchester United, who are also in the race to sign the 22-year-old, and sources have stressed that all outcomes are still possible. But Newcastle want to move quickly to agree terms with Leipzig, after the Bundesliga club sought to negotiate the structure of an offer totalling £70million over the weekend. Sesko is Newcastle's top attacking target and there is a determination to accelerate a deal, especially after they were told on Monday he is willing to sign for the club. Man United 's interest remains - and it was thought last week that Old Trafford was his preferred destination - but unlike Newcastle, they did not table a formal offer over the weekend. The Magpies would like an outcome one way or the other over the next 24 hours, given their need to bring in a striker ahead of the season opener at Aston Villa a week on Saturday. Alexander Isak remains intent on a move to Liverpool, but the Premier League champions will only return with a new offer once Newcastle have the Swede's replacement lined up.
