Nigeria on Monday staged an uncommon welcoming ceremony to appreciate and celebrate the country women Football team who maybe apparently correct to be described as Winning Queens of Africa as they landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after the Super Falcons of Nigeria defeated the host Lionesses of Morocco by 3-2 in a breath taking and thrilling final football  match held in Rabat, the capital city of Morocco on Saturday, marking the 10th triumph of the Super Falcons on the continental stage after their previous triumphs in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON consecutively in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018 and recently for the 2024 Africa continental women tournaments, this, many top government officials most especially governors and Ministers like the Governors of Kaduna, Uba Sani, Governor of Kwara, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Imo State, Hope Uzodimma gathered for hours at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja waiting the Super Queens of Africa to arrive and after welcoming the women Football icons home, the governors led the amazing stars of Africa to the West Africa country’s Presidential Villa known as Aso Rock where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred on the 24 Super Falcons football players and the 11-member technical team the National Honours Awards of Officer of the Order of Niger, OON, and gifted them houses each in Abuja with $100,000 each for the 24 Women players which total sum is approximately equivalent to ₦3.6 billion based on ₦1,500 exchange rate to a dollar pegged by the President for the 2025 Financial Year in the country, and in addition, the President gifted the 11-member Technical Team of the Super Falcons $50,000 each which approximately represent a total of ₦825 million, bringing the total cash gift to ₦4,425,000,000, during the presentation, President Bola Ahmed said he never wanted to watch the match because he did not want to have high blood pressure, adding that; the Super Falcons kept him hungrier as his wife, the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu was at the Kitchen preparing his food while watching the match, emphasizing, the First Lady almost abandoned his dinner because of the football match and the Super Falcons on Monday could be seen singing, praising and dancing with the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu by thus reversing the negativity of the popular viral song of “Na Your Mama Be This O!” to “Na Our Mama Be This O!” to accept the First Lady as the Mother of all in the nation, which could be recalled that, earlier in the year, specifically, in the month of March, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu was at the Dome Event Centre in Asaba in Delta State as part of her Renewed Hope Initiative project and during her visit, a video clip of Nigeria Nursing Students rejecting the First Lady as the Mother of all in the Nation went vira and became a popular song that was remixed by many to their desired tastes and lyrics, after the viral clip showed the event’s Master of Ceremony had introduced Oluremi Tinubu as “everyone’s mother,” a common title for First Ladies in the country, the nursing students refused to accept the designation and when the MC declared, “Na our mama be this” (translated as “This is our mother”), the students responded in unison, “Na your mama be this” (translated as “This is your mother”), signalling their rejection of the title.

According to Bayo Onanuga, the Spokesperson to the Nigeria President on Media, “President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on all 24 players and the 11-member technical team of Nigeria’s senior women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, following their historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, (WAFCON) in Morocco.

At the presidential reception held in their honour, President Tinubu awarded each player and technical crew member the title of Officer of the Order of the Niger, (OON).

He also directed the allocation of one three-bedroom apartment to each player and technical crew member in the government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.

The President approved a cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 players, and $50,000 equivalent to each technical team member.

“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable.

“You have inspired me, too. And it’s great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you,” President Tinubu said amid cheers from the jubilant team.

The President recounted the emotional moments of the final match, noting how the team’s performance lifted the nation’s spirits and united Nigerians from all walks of life.

“Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency.

“Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I didn’t want to have high blood pressure. But people came in and turned my TV on that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless.

“But I was still watching with the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage. And after that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too.

“But you almost made me angrier (hungrier), because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner.

”She doesn’t watch the game except when the girls are playing. And at the end of the final whistle, it was joy all over the country,” he said.

The President assured the team of his administration’s continued support and commitment to sports development, pledging that the government would invest further in women’s football and youth talent development across the country.

“Your story is a story of hope. And in this era of Renewed Hope, we celebrate you not just as champions of Africa, but as champions of the Nigerian dream.”

In a further show of appreciation, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also announced a donation of ₦10 million to each of the players and technical team members on behalf of the 36 state governors.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the Super Falcons as role models and shining examples of courage and excellence.

She congratulated the team for their exceptional performance and unwavering spirit, describing their journey as “a testament to resilience, teamwork, and determination.”

“You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves—that it is not over until it is over.

“The zeal you displayed on the pitch was nothing short of inspirational. You never wavered and reminded the world why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football.”

The First Lady prayed for the team’s continued success and shared an earlier conversation with President Tinubu about the team’s bright future as world champions.

“I told Mr. President this morning that you are going on to win the World Cup, and he thought I was too ambitious. But Ajibade, the team captain, just seconded that, and that is possible,” he said.

Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade said the victory was for the team and for every Nigerian girl who dreams of achieving greatness.

“Today, I stand before you not just as the captain of the Super Falcons, but as a proud daughter of Nigeria, carrying the dreams, resilience, and spirit of our great nation,” she said.

“On behalf of my teammates, coaches, and technical staff, I express our heartfelt gratitude for this warm reception and the unwavering belief you have shown in us.”

Emphasising the significance of their 10th WAFCON title, the team captain said: “This victory is not just a trophy. It is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Nigeria. It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream… This 10th title is for you, Mr. President, for Nigerians, for Super Falcons, and for every young child who believes and dreams to be on this stage someday.”

Ajibade called for continued support from the government and stakeholders to elevate Nigeria’s global standing in women’s football.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described the team’s victory as a symbol of national unity, inspiration, and the triumph of belief, courage, and excellence.

Dikko credited President Tinubu’s administration with investing in sports development and women’s empowerment. “The Super Falcons’ triumph is a fruit of your unwavering support for sports and women. You have always believed that sports can unite us, heal us, and uplift our spirits as one of the major drivers of the economy. And today, we have seen it happen,” he stated.

He commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her “constant support for our women in sports.” “This win goes beyond sports. It is a powerful symbol of our national unity and cohesion. In those 90 minutes, Nigerians everywhere from the north, south, east and west held their breath, prayed together, cheered the team, and finally celebrated together. ”That is the power of sports, and indeed the power of our women in sports,” he said.

In an earliuer Press Release on Sunday, Bayo Onanuga said; “President Bola Tinubu has expressed his delight at the Super Falcons’ spectacular victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), stating that he eagerly looks forward to receiving the trophy in Abuja.

In a post-match video call with team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, her teammates, and Nigerian officials, President Tinubu congratulated the team on securing a record 10th continental title and lifting the nation’s spirits.

“I am very, very proud of you. The entire nation is proud of you. You have lifted our spirits. You are a pride to your generation and we are all very happy.

“You will be celebrated, and I congratulate all the coaches and management of the team, including the ministers and the officials,” he said.

The President extended his best regards to Rasheedat Ajibade, who emerged as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and clinched the Woman of the Tournament award.

He also praised Esther Okoronkwo’s composure during a crucial moment in the final, describing her 64th-minute penalty kick, which sparked a dramatic comeback, as “very courageous.”

Okoronkwo created the second goal and delivered the decisive free-kick that Jennifer Echegini converted to seal Nigeria’s 3-2 victory.

‘‘Safe journey home, enjoy yourselves, avoid injuries, God bless you,’’ the President told the jubilant players and officials, who repeatedly interjected with ‘’Thank you, Mr President!’’

Responding on behalf of the team, Ajibade thanked the President for approving the full payment of players’ allowances. She assured him the team was eager to present him with the WAFCON trophy in Abuja.

The lively exchange ended with a spirited rendition of the national anthem and three thunderous “Gbosa!” cheers for the President”.