The Super Falcons will cart home $1 million for winning this year’s Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy.
The victory will see the Falcons earn $1 million (£743,000) in prize money. CAF increased the tournament prize pot by 45 per cent to $3.475 million.
The prize money for the winners has doubled since the last edition with the victors of Saturday’s match sharing $1million.
This was as the Super Falcons emerged champions of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after pulling off a stunning second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco in a pulsating final.
The Moroccans had taken a 2-0 lead in the first half, capitalizing on early momentum and a roaring home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy scored for the Atlas Lionesses.
But the Nigerians, showing the grit and pedigree that has made them the most successful team in the tournament’s history, roared back after the break.
Esther Okoronkwo pulled one back from the spot then teed up Folashade Ijamilusi for the equalizer.
Jennifer Echegini then got on the end of a free-kick to score a late winner.
They also got to lift the newly-designed WAFCON trophy. The victory capped off Nigeria’s “Mission X” campaign, a symbolic reference to their pursuit of a 10th continental crown.
CAF WAFCON 2024 Prize Money Breakdown:
Winner: $1,000,000
Runner-Up: $500,000
Third Place: $350,000
Fourth Place: $300,000
Quarter-Finalists (4 Teams): $200,000 each
Third in Group: $150,000
Fourth in Group (3 Teams): $125,000 each.
Tinubu Greets Super Falcons
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria for clinching a historic 10th title at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following their thrilling comeback victory against hosts Morocco in the final held in Rabat on Saturday night.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President lauded the Nigerian women’s national team for displaying resilience, discipline, and excellence on the continental stage.
“The Super Falcons’ spectacular performance tonight in Rabat, coming from behind to beat a spirited Moroccan side playing in front of a passionate home crowd, exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit,” President Tinubu said.
The final match at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat saw the Falcons overturn a deficit to defeat the Atlas Lionesses in front of their vociferous fans, marking yet another milestone in Nigeria’s dominance of women’s football in Africa.
President Tinubu praised the team’s unity and the dedication of the coaching staff, noting that the triumph is a reward for their hard work and a source of pride for every Nigerian.
“With hard work, dedication, and tenacity, you have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for,” the President said. “The nation looks forward to welcoming our champions. Congratulations! Nigeria celebrates you.”
