Super Falcons Midfielder Deborah Abiodun says the Super Falcons’ stunning comeback victory over Morocco in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final was driven by pride for Nigeria not financial incentives.

During the Mission X: Meet, Greet and Celebrate the Champions event at Hard Rock Café, Victoria Island, Lagos, Abiodun stressed that the team’s drive stemmed from a profound commitment to national honour, not material gain.

“We weren’t playing for money or prizes,” Abiodun said. “Our priority was to defend Nigeria’s pride. We value the rewards, but representing our country means everything. We were ready to give our all for Nigeria and our families.”

Following the victory, President Bola Tinubu announced a N4.6 billion reward package for the team and technical staff, including $100,000 each for the 24 players, national honours as Officers of the Order of the Niger, and three-bedroom apartments in the Renewed Hope Estate. The Nigeria Governors Forum added N350 million, bringing total rewards close to N5 billion.

During the event honoring the team’s landmark 10th WAFCON victory, eight players among them; Tosin Demehin, Christy Ucheibe, and Folashade Ijamilusi were accompanied by assistant coach and Nigerian football legend  Ann Chiejine and former Madrid CFF striker Opeyemi Ajakaye.

Organised by Sportdotcom’s Toyosi Oyetunji in partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation’s media team, the event aimed to celebrate the team’s achievement and unite Nigerians through football.

“Football is one of the few things that brings Nigerians together, regardless of tribe, religion, or background,” Oyetunji said. “Our goal was to generate excitement nationally and globally. The response from Nigeria and the diaspora has been incredible. That’s the power of sport.”