Chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, says the stunning comeback victory of the Super Falcons at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is proof that President Bola Tinubu’s sports reforms are beginning to yield results across the board.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Monday, following the reception and reward ceremony at the Presidential Villa on Monday, Dikko praised the President for his unprecedented recognition of the Super Falcons, who were each awarded $100,000 and a three-bedroom apartment, while members of the technical crew received $50,000 and similar homes.
For Dikko, the significance of this reward goes beyond celebration. “It just shows that probably there is something going right at the moment. The reforms and the restructuring of the sports sector and the alignment of everybody to support sports to grow is really going the right way. And the outcome is very positive.”
He noted that support for the team came from all arms of government, with several ministers actively involved during the tournament. “You see all the female ministers… making videos, sending them to the teams, watching them and pushing them forward. And of course, that was carried out by the First Lady herself.”
Dikko emphasised that the President’s body language is now inspiring institutional alignment across all levels.
“Everybody in the country has aligned… to deliver on what is supposed to be a tool for national cohesion, social support, and also economic development.”
He also responded to the team captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s call for improved infrastructure.
“There’s a new technical centre already started for the national teams… launched a few months ago by the Speaker,” he said, noting collaboration between FIFA, NFF, and the government.
In a major departure from the past, he revealed that all the Falcons’ tournament bonuses, including the final match, were fully paid before they played. “For the first time…it has never happened before.”
Dikko, a long-time advocate for women in sports, also noted the broader impact of the Falcons’ victory. “Women in our sports have never, never given up. If you look at history, women have always delivered for the country. The men now really will have to follow suit.”
In conclusion, Dikko praised President Tinubu’s leadership: “We must thank the President once again… for what he’s doing for sports. His support is unprecedented.”
Chioma Kalu
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