President Bola Tinubu has approved the full payment of all outstanding allowances and match bonuses owed to the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s senior women’s football team, ahead of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against Morocco.

The announcement was made by Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), on Thursday. He confirmed that the payments—covering matches up to the upcoming final on July 26—have already been disbursed for immediate distribution to the players, coaches, and support staff.

Describing the move as part of a new policy direction, Dikko said the Tinubu administration is committed to ensuring that Nigerian athletes are supported and treated with dignity. “This is a policy in motion. This government will ensure athletes are respected and rewarded appropriately,” he stated.

In a broader gesture, the directive also covers other national teams, including D’Tigress, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, who are currently preparing for the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.

The decision comes amid ongoing concerns about delayed payments to athletes and growing calls for better welfare for Nigeria’s national teams. Under the Confederation of African Football (CAF) prize structure, the WAFCON winner receives up to $1 million, with 30 percent of the prize guaranteed to go to the players. The government has now assured that this portion will be promptly paid, regardless of the tournament outcome.

With the Super Falcons just days away from a potential 10th WAFCON title, the financial boost is seen as both morale-boosting and a strong statement of federal support for women’s sports.