Nigeria Misses 2026 World Cup, Osimhen’s €75m Galatasaray Move, Super Falcons’ WAFCON Glory and Other Major Nigerian Football Moments That Defined 2025

Nigerian football in 2025 was a year of sharp contrasts, marked by historic disappointments, landmark achievements and defining off-the-pitch controversies. As the year came to an end, fans reflected on moments that reshaped the nation’s football narrative, with the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup standing out as the most painful low point. After a two-year qualification campaign, Nigeria’s hopes were dashed following a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the African playoffs, leaving millions of supporters heartbroken.

Despite the World Cup setback, the year also delivered significant positives. The Super Falcons reaffirmed their dominance in African women’s football by winning a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, defeating hosts Morocco in the final and earning national acclaim and financial rewards from the federal government.

At club level, Remo Stars made history by winning their first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, a milestone achievement celebrated across the domestic football scene. Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen’s career took another major turn as the Super Eagles striker completed a record-breaking €75 million permanent transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray, choosing loyalty and stability over lucrative moves elsewhere.

The year also saw notable changes in leadership and personnel. Eric Sekou Chelle became the Super Eagles’ head coach, making history as the first non-Nigerian African to manage the national team. Veteran players William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa retired from international football, closing important chapters in Nigeria’s football history.

However, controversies lingered, including protests by Super Eagles players over unpaid allowances and renewed scrutiny of the Nigeria Football Federation over alleged financial mismanagement.

Overall, 2025 will be remembered as a turbulent but transformative year for Nigerian football — one defined by World Cup heartbreak, individual brilliance, domestic success, and renewed hopes of redemption at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Tinubu Govt Awards Teen English Champion ₦200,000

The Federal Government has honoured Nafisah Abdullahi, winner of the TeenEagle Global English Contest, with a cash prize of ₦200,000.

The award was presented by Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa in Abuja on Thursday.

Critics have compared the modest prize to the ₦152m cash rewards given earlier to Nigeria’s Super Falcons for their WAFCON victory, while government aides defended the gesture.

#Education #Nigeria #Tinubu

Nigerian Football Star Rasheedat Ajibade Joins PSG Féminines.

Nigerian forward Rasheedat Busayo Ajibade has completed a move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Féminines, where she will team up with fellow Super Falcons star, Jennifer Echegini.

“Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the arrival of Nigerian striker Rasheedat Busayo Ajibade, who has joined the club on a deal that runs until 30th June 2027,” PSG confirmed in a statement on Tuesday while unveiling their new signing.

Speaking after her presentation, the Nigerian captain, fondly called Mummy G.O., described the transfer as a landmark moment in her career, saying it was a “major step” for her.

Ajibade’s switch to PSG comes just weeks after she led the Super Falcons to their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph. She was also named Player of the Tournament, marking her second time lifting the prestigious continental trophy with Nigeria.

"We've not received anything yet" – Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade speaks on FG's $100k and other promised benefits for WAFCON win.

Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade Says WAFCON Victory Rewards Still Unpaid

Super Falcons skipper Rasheedat Ajibade has revealed that the team is yet to receive the promised rewards for their historic win at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Despite a public pledge by the Nigerian government to gift each player $100,000, three-bedroom apartments, national honors, and additional donations from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Ajibade confirmed:

> “We’ve not received anything yet.”


The delay has sparked disappointment among fans and sports stakeholders who were eager to see the champions honored for clinching their 10th continental title.

Ajibade, however, remains optimistic, urging for sustained investment in women’s football to place Nigeria firmly on the global stage. She dedicated the team’s victory to every young Nigerian girl chasing her dreams and stressed the need for proper support to keep women’s sports thriving.

While the Super Falcons wait for the promises to be fulfilled, their commitment, resilience, and pride as ambassadors for Nigerian women in sports remain unshaken.

#SuperFalcons #RasheedatAjibade #WAFCON2024 #NigerianFootball #WomenInSports #EqualRecognition #PayOurChampions

Ex-Super Falcons Star, Avra Odeli Appeals to President Tinubu for Recognition, Support of Former Players.

Former Super Falcons striker, Patient Avra Odeli, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to extend recognition and support to retired players who brought glory to Nigeria in the past.

Odeli, who represented Nigeria between 1998 and 2004, won four Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) titles during her career. In a statement of gratitude, she thanked the President and First Lady for recently showing love to current Super Falcons players and the men’s national basketball team, D’Tigers.

The appeal comes in the wake of President Tinubu’s recent rewards for the Super Falcons’ 2024 WAFCON victory, which included $100,000 for each player, $50,000 for technical staff, three-bedroom apartments, and national honors “May God bless the President for appreciating faithful Falcons,” she said.

“On behalf of ex-Super Falcons players, I appeal to you to also remember those of us who were African champions nine times. Most ex-Falcons have nothing to show for winning laurels for Nigeria. Some have d+ed, some are jobless, and others are homeless.”

Odeli urged the Tinubu administration to “correct the mistakes of the past” by honoring and compensating the former players, stressing that such a gesture would align with the government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda for sports development. “God will surely bless you for including sport in your agenda,” she added.

Benue State Rewards Super Falcons Star Francisca Ordega with N50m, Apartment, and Street Naming.

The Benue State Government has honoured Super Falcons forward, Francisca Mlumun Ordega (OON), for her outstanding performance at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

At a state reception held in Makurdi on Wednesday night, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia announced a series of rewards for the football star, including a cash gift of N50 million, a three-bedroom apartment in Makurdi, and the naming of a street in her honour.

The event, organized to celebrate Ordega’s contribution to Nigeria’s success at WAFCON 2024, highlighted her impact both on and off the pitch. Governor Alia commended her dedication and achievements, describing her as a source of pride for Benue and a role model for young athletes across the country.

“Francisca Ordega has made Benue and Nigeria proud. Her discipline, commitment, and talent deserve to be recognised. This is our small way of saying thank you,” he said.

“We Laboured for Nothing” — Ex-Super Falcons Star Patience Avre Praises Tinubu’s Reward Policy, Appeals for Recognition of Past Heroes

Former Super Falcons forward and U.S.-based veteran, Patience Avre Odeli, has showered praise on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their recent recognition and rewards to Nigeria’s victorious Super Falcons and D’Tigress teams.

“I doff my hat for our sports-loving President and his beautiful wife… such regular receptions will inspire others to aim for global glory,” Avre said, referencing the warm celebration and national honors given to both teams following their victories at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and Afrobasket Championship.

However, the ex-striker used the opportunity to spotlight a painful truth — her generation, which won four African titles, reached the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and appeared at the Olympic Games, was neglected by past administrations.

“We laboured for nothing. Some of our teammates have died; others are battling injuries or mentally drained due to the lack of appreciation and support,” she lamented.

Avre, supported by Super Falcons legends like Stella Mbachu, Precious Dede, and Kikelomo Ajayi, is appealing to the current government to rewrite history by recognizing and rewarding past champions who made Nigeria proud.

She also praised Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, describing him as a credible figure leading a positive transformation in Nigerian sports.

#PatienceAvre #SuperFalcons #Tinubu #OluremiTinubu #WAFCON2025 #D’Tigress #AfricanChampions #UnsungHeroes

Coaches Deserve Equal Pay As The Players— Says Pastor Adeboye.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye has weighed in on the ongoing debate about compensation for the Super Falcons’ coaches, saying they should not earn less than the players they train.

Speaking on Sunday during the RCCG’s monthly Thanksgiving Service in Ebute-Meta, Lagos, the 82-year-old cleric praised President Bola Tinubu for rewarding the Falcons’ 2024 WAFCON victory with generous gifts, but questioned the disparity in rewards between players and coaches.

Tinubu had awarded the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 Super Falcons players and promised each a three-bedroom apartment. Meanwhile, the team’s technical crew—including head coach Justin Madugu—were awarded the equivalent of $50,000.

Reacting during his sermon titled The Winning Team, Pastor Adeboye said, “I thank the President for the gifts to the Falcons. However, I’m not quite sure I agree that the coaches should get less than the players.

Without coaches, the team would not succeed.” He continued, “When you read Revelation 2:17, you’ll see overcomers are rewarded. So, I wasn’t surprised when the President decided to honour the team. But let’s not forget the coaches. God bless them.”

Adeboye, who was a trained boxer in his youth, shared a personal story about his coach from 1960. “That man gave us a tough time. We once asked if we were training for the army. But today, I thank him.

He built us. A good coach sees your potential and pushes you beyond it.” He concluded by highlighting that while players execute the game, it’s the coaches who strategize, direct, and unlock excellence.

News Brief: Falcons Coaches Deserve Equal Pay as Players – Pastor Adeboye.
General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has called for better compensation for Nigerian sports coaches, saying they should not earn less than players.

Speaking during the RCCG’s monthly Thanksgiving Service in Lagos, Adeboye praised President Bola Tinubu for rewarding the Super Falcons’ historic 10th WAFCON title with $100,000 (naira equivalent) and a three-bedroom apartment for each player. He, however, questioned why the team’s coaches received only $50,000.

“I thank the President for the gifts to the Falcons,” Adeboye said. “However, I’m not quite sure I agree that the coaches should get less than the players because, without coaches, the team will not succeed.”

The revered cleric, who was once a boxer, reminisced about his own coach’s tough methods in the 1960s and credited those experiences for building his resilience. “A good coach sees your potential and pushes you to be better,” he said.

Adeboye’s remarks come amid growing national conversation around fair treatment of sports professionals beyond athletes.

#SuperFalcons #PastorAdeboye #WAFCON2025 #EqualPay #SportsDevelopment #NigerianCoaches

Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade presents her WAFCON medal to MFM Pastor Daniel Olukoya and his wife during a service.

CAF Sacks Referees Chief Following Morocco’s Protest Over Nigeria’s WAFCON Win.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly sacked its Director of Refereeing, Désiré Noumandiez Doué, following Morocco’s protest over alleged p++r officiating in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final, where Nigeria claimed their 10th title.

Though Doué did not referee the match, he was responsible for selecting the officiating team, which is now under intense scrutiny. The final, held in Rabat, ended in a dramatic 3–2 comeback victory for Nigeria over hosts Morocco, who had initially led by two goals.

Morocco’s football federation (FRMF) lodged a formal protest, accusing match officials of “critical officiating errors.” The match was officiated by Namibia’s Antsino Twanyanyukwa, with assistants from Rwanda and Senegal.

VAR was handled by Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga. FRMF submitted a video dossier to CAF, highlighting controversial calls, including a denied penalty for Morocco and what they viewed as a questionable penalty awarded to Nigeria.

These decisions, they argued, significantly influenced the outcome. Morocco’s head coach, Jorge Vilda, expressed disappointment after the match, telling ESPN: “We saw images that showed clear contact, but the referee overturned her own call.

It impacted our players psychologically. It was a massive blow.” CAF has not officially commented on Doué’s dismissal, but the timing strongly suggests it was a response to the growing criticism surrounding the WAFCON final.

Gov. Fintiri Gifts N50m, House to Super Falcons Coach for WAFCON Win.

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has honoured Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu with a three-bedroom bungalow and N50 million for his role in Nigeria’s victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The gesture was announced by the governor’s aide, Pius Iliya, via Facebook, noting that the presentation was made at the Government House in Yola. Madugu, who hails from Adamawa, was praised by Fintiri for leading the team to continental glory.

“Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on behalf of the Government and people of Adamawa State, has gifted Justine Pwanidi Madugu… a three-bedroom bungalow and N50m for leading the team into winning the 2024 Women African Cup of Nations,” the post read.

The Super Falcons recently secured their 10th WAFCON title in Morocco, extending their record as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.

In a dramatic final, they came from 2–0 down to defeat hosts Morocco 3–2 with second-half goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini. The team went unbeaten in the tournament, scoring 10 goals and conceding only three. Earlier in Abuja, the Falcons received a presidential reception from President Bola Tinubu.

Each player was awarded $100,000, while Madugu and other technical crew members got $50,000, national honours (OON), and three-bedroom homes. Governor Fintiri’s personal reward adds to the outpouring of national appreciation for the team’s remarkable performance.

Adamawa government rewards Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu with a house and N50m after WAFCON win.

Imo Governor Gifts N10M Each to Super Falcons Stars for WAFCON 2024 Victory!

In a powerful gesture of pride and support, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has rewarded six Super Falcons players and assistant coach Ann Chiejine with ₦10 million each for their heroic performance at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The honored players—Chiamaka Nnadozie, Jennifer Echegini, Osinachi Ohale, Oluchi Oluehi, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Michelle Alozie—all hail from Imo State and played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s thrilling 3-2 win over Morocco in the final.

Uzodinma hosted the players at the Government House in Owerri, praising their resilience, talent, and for bringing glory to both Imo State and the nation.

This comes after President Bola Tinubu also celebrated the team with $100,000, a three-bedroom house, and a national honor (OON) for each player.

#SuperFalcons #WAFCON2024Champions #ImoStatePride #HopeUzodinma #WomenInSports #NigerianHeroes

Brief: Tinubu’s Aide Defends Falcons’ Cash Reward, Cites ₦150m BBNaija Prize.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has defended the financial rewards given to the Super Falcons by President Bola Tinubu following their victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

In a post on X, Onanuga questioned public criticism, comparing the reward to the ₦150 million grand prize for the BBNaija reality show winner. He said Tinubu’s gesture celebrated “excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry, and the undying Nigerian spirit.”

Each player was awarded $100,000 and a three-bedroom apartment, while the team also received national honours as Officers of the Order of the Niger.

Onanuga’s statement came ahead of the Falcons’ visit to the Presidential Villa, where Tinubu praised the team for inspiring the nation after their dramatic 3-2 comeback win against Morocco.
#SuperFalcons #WAFCON2025 #Tinubu #BayoOnanuga #BBNaija #SportsReward

"This is a misuse of public funds" – Daniel Regha reacts to President Tinubu’s $100K and house gifts each to the Super Falcons for their WAFCON triumph.

NewsBREAKING: Tinubu Confers National Honours, Awards $100k To Super Falcons.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred National Honours of Officer of Order of Niger (OON) to the victorious Super Falcons of Nigeria for winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nation (WAFCON) 2025.

Naija News reports that the President conferred the honours on them when he received the Falcons at the Presidential Villa on Monday evening.

Tinubu also awarded three bedroom apartments each and a cash award of $100,000 each to the 24 Super Falcons players and $50,000 each to the technical team.

It was gathered that Super Falcons’ captain Rasheedat Ajibade and the Vice Captain Chiamaka Nnadozie presented the 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to President Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu at the State Banquet Hall.

Nurturing the Next Champions: Nigeria Commended for Investing in Women’s Sports Excellence


Professor Suleiman has emphasized the urgent need to develop and expose young female talents to sustain Nigeria’s dominance in women’s football and basketball across Africa.

While celebrating the Super Falcons for their heroic WAFCON victory in Morocco, she praised President Bola Tinubu, the NSC, and the NFF for the timely release of funds to support the players and coaching staff.

The same support was extended to D’Tigress, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, who are chasing a record 5th FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title in Côte d’Ivoire.

D’Tigress made a powerful statement by thrashing Rwanda 92-45 in their opener and will face Mozambique at 5PM on Monday in their second Group D clash.


#SuperFalcons #DTigress #WomenInSports #NigeriaDominatesAfrica #WAFCON2024

WAFCON 2025: “They Understood the Assignment” — Pres Tinubu Congratulates the Super Falcons for Beating Morocco to Lift the Trophy for the 10th Time.