NFF commends Gov Abiodun on monetary gifts to Falcons, Lionesses

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State for showering players and officials of the senior women’s national teams of Nigeria and Cameroon with monetary gifts following the two teams’ international friendly match in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday.

Nine-time African champions Nigeria swept past the Lionesses in the encounter with a brace by captain Rasheedat Ajibade — the first in the 28th minute from the penalty spot and the second in added time of the first half, resulting from a flowing team move that saw Rinsola Babajide find her captain in the opposition’s eighteen-yard box.

After the match, a delighted Governor Abiodun gifted the Super Falcons the sum of N20 million, while presenting the visiting Cameroonian team with N10 million.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, praised the Ogun State governor for the gesture, remarking that such incentives serve as motivation for athletes across various sports to give their best and perform better in future competitions.

“The NFF expresses sincere gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Abiodun, for the monetary gifts to the Super Falcons and the Indomitable Lionesses. His gesture is an act of kindness and magnanimity that will never be forgotten.

“The financial incentive has been well received by the team, and I believe it provides an added psychological boost apart from the victory over the Cameroonians.

“The NFF will do everything it can to ensure the players and their officials enjoy a conducive pre-WAFCON final camping programme.”

Nigeria will play in Group B of the 12-team Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, scheduled for 5th–26th July. They will face Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria.

The Super Falcons will play all their group matches in Casablanca — starting with Tunisia on 6th July, followed by Botswana on 10th July, and Algeria on 13th July.