Super Falcons Earn Full Group-Stage Bonuses Despite Malawi Defeat

Super Falcons Earn Full Group-Stage Bonuses Despite Malawi Defeat 

By Niyi Busari 

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced an enhanced financial incentive package for Nigeria's Super Falcons following their qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as the team prepares for a crucial knockout clash against Cameroon, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko disclosed that the commission has doubled the team's goal bonus from $5,000 to $10,000 per goal in recognition of the players' impressive performances during the group stage.

In addition, the NSC revealed that a private sector support initiative, coordinated by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, has also pledged $10,000 for every goal scored by the Super Falcons throughout the tournament.

With the team scoring six goals in their group-stage victory over Egypt, the combined incentive package amounts to $120,000 in goal bonuses from both the NSC and the private sector initiative.

The commission also approved another morale-boosting measure despite Nigeria's defeat to Malawi in their final group-stage fixture. The NSC directed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to pay the Super Falcons the full match bonuses for all three group-stage matches, including the victories over Zambia and Egypt as well as the loss to Malawi.

The decision means the players will receive complete match bonuses for every group fixture, a move aimed at maintaining high morale and rewarding the team's overall performance as they pursue a record-extending WAFCON title.

Nigeria booked their place in the quarter-finals after winning two of their three group matches to finish second in Group D with six points, behind group winners Malawi.

Their reward is a quarter-final showdown with Cameroon, who finished unbeaten at the top of Group C with seven points after recording two wins and one draw.

The meeting between Nigeria and Cameroon is one of the standout fixtures of the last eight, pitting the defending champions against the Indomitable Lionesses, one of Africa's most successful women's national teams. Both sides share a rich rivalry on the continental stage, with several memorable encounters in WAFCON history.

The enhanced incentive package is expected to provide an additional psychological boost for the Super Falcons as they continue their quest for another continental crown, while also reflecting the Nigerian government's commitment to rewarding excellence and encouraging sustained success in women's football.