By: Oluwatobi Aroyehun
Ahead of Saturday’s epic final clash between history chasing Super Falcons of Nigeria and Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) has approved the immediate disbursement of full allowances and match bonuses to the senior women’s football team.
The approval also includes their bonuses and allowances for the final match against Morocco in the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025 in Rabat.
According to the official channel of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the payments have since been made by the National Sports Commission as at the 23rd of July 2025, through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“They are to be disbursed to the players, coaches and team officials without delay, dispute, or drama – marking a major shift in athlete welfare and accountability in Nigerian sports where in the past, athlete allowances are paid long after tournaments have ended.
“This unprecedented step is part of the broader reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at restoring trust between Nigerian athletes and the authorities that serve them.
“This is not just payment. It is policy in motion and clear evidence of a new era in Nigerian sports, where our athletes are no longer celebrated only in moments of victory but respected in the entire process.
“In line with Mr. President’s directive, I have instructed the NFF to ensure that all players, coaches and team officials receive their full entitlements before the close of business tomorrow, Friday, July 25, 2025, except the players themselves choose otherwise. That is the expectation. No delays. No issues,” Mal. Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission explained.
While congratulating them for making it to the final, the National Sports Commission urged the Super Falcons to give their best in securing a historic 10th WAFCON trophy for Nigeria.
The highly anticipated matchup between Nigeria and Morocco, slated for Saturday, July 26, follows Morocco’s dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Ghana in the semifinals on Tuesday.
Morocco secured their spot in the final after a tense 1-1 draw with Ghana, which stretched into extra time. Ghana struck first through Stella Nyamekye’s 26th minute goal, but the Atlas Lionesses fought back with Sakina Ouzraoui’s equalizer ten minutes into the second half.
The decisive moment came in the shootout, when Ghana’s Evelyn Badu missed their third penalty and 18-year-old Comfort Yeboah’s effort was stopped by Morocco’s goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, sparking wild celebrations among the home crowd.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons punched their ticket to the final with a heart stopping 2-1 win over defending champions South Africa in Casablanca. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade opened the scoring with a penalty just before halftime, but South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo leveled the score with a spot-kick in the 60th minute. In a moment of pure magic, Michelle Alozie’s stunning stoppage-time strike sealed the victory, keeping Nigeria’s dream of a 10th WAFCON title alive.
The Super Falcons, with nine championships and an unbeaten record in WAFCON finals, are the undisputed giants of African women’s football. Yet, Morocco, buoyed by their passionate home support, are no underdogs.
Having reached the 2022 final, where they fell to South Africa, the Atlas Lionesses are chasing their first-ever continental crown and have shown they can hold their own against the best.
Saturday’s final promises to be a battle for the ages, pitting Nigeria’s storied legacy against Morocco’s rising star power, Atlas Lionesses look to make history on home soil. With pride and glory on the line, this clash is set to light up Rabat.
