The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has increased the bonus of Super Falcons from $5,000 t0 $10,000 ahead of Saturday’s 11th Women Africa Cup of Nations final against the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in Accra.
Amaju Pinnick, president of the NFF, who made the pledge Thursday when he met with the players and officials at the AH Hotel, Accra, said if they win the federation would double their winning bonus as a big incentive.
The Falcons had earned $3,000 for a win in the group phase but were earmarked for $5,000 each for victory in the final.
Pinnick delivered the good wishes of President Muhammadu Buhari and the football –loving populace of Nigeria to the Cup holders.
“Go out there and win on Saturday and earn yourselves $10,000 each, as against the $5,000 that the NFF earlier promised,” Pinnick told the team.
“I want to let you know that the Government and the good and great people of Nigeria are happy with your performance in the championship so far.
“They are looking forward to you retaining the trophy by beating South Africa on Saturday.
“Let me commend the lofty commitment, dedication and resilience that you have displayed so far in the championship, alongside that unique Nigerian spirit that was most in evidence against the Cameroonians in the semi final.
“You are indeed true champions, and we believe you will retain the Cup on Saturday.”
The two captains, Onome Ebi and Rita Chikwelu on behalf of the team expressed gratitude to President Buhari, the NFF, the Nigeria media and football –loving Nigerians at home and in the diaspora for their support to the team.
The team also pledged that they will overcome the Banyana Banyana in Saturday’s final in order to return to Nigeria with the trophy.
Ebi said: “We have the World Cup ticket now, which was always our first target here.
“The second is winning the Cup for a third successive time and ninth time overall. It is a mission we are determined to accomplish on Saturday.”
Nigeria defeated South Africa 2-0 in the final of the second edition of the competition in Johannesburg in 2000, to retain the Cup they had won at the inaugural edition in Nigeria two years earlier.
