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Super Falcons midfielder, Deborah Abiodun, has said Nigeria’s comeback victory over Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) was driven by patriotism rather than financial incentives.
During the “Mission X: Meet, Greet and Celebrate the Champions” event held at the Hard Rock Café in Victoria Island, Lagos, Abiodun emphasised that the players were focused solely on defending Nigeria’s pride after falling 2-0 behind in the final.
“We were not playing for the prizes,” the 21-year-old said. “The most important thing for us then was our pride as a nation and as players. We really do appreciate the gifts and everything, but being a Nigerian means everything to us.
“We don’t want to go to the world stage to embarrass our nation, so at that point, we were ready to give everything. We will die for Nigeria. We will die for our family.”
The fan event brought together supporters, entertainers, football legends and dignitaries to celebrate the team’s record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
It featured a Q&A session with fans and appearances by eight players from the winning squad: Tosin Demehin, Christy Ucheibe, Folashade Ijamilusi, Miracle Usani, Sikiratu Isah, Shukurat Oladipo, Udoka Unachukwu, and Abiodun herself.
Also in attendance were assistant coach and former Nigerian goalkeeper, Ann Chiejine, and ex-Madrid CFF forward, Opeyemi Ajakaye.
Toyosi Oyetunji of Sportdotcom convened the event in partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation’s media department.
Naija News reports that President Bola Tinubu announced a reward package of N4.602 billion for the players and technical crew following the team’s title win.
This includes $100,000 (in naira equivalent) for each of the 24 players, $50,000 each for the coaching staff, national honours as Officers of the Order of the Niger (OON), and a three-bedroom apartment in the Renewed Hope Estate.
The Nigeria Governors Forum also contributed N350 million, bringing the total financial reward to nearly ₦5 billion.
The post Deborah Abiodun Says National Pride, Not Money, Drove Super Falcons’ WAFCON Triumph appeared first on Naija News.
