Hence, measures was put in place to rectify that massive gap. With it's track record and success, the Super Falcons are unarguably, undisputed and unchallenged continental giant. But that position will and is challenged right now.
South Africa has put up that challenge with the Nigerian women national team with massive government supports and investment in their women's national team. The South African football body had over the years carried out a bottom - top investment and development.
These policy by the body is materializing for the South African women's football which the Nigerian Football Federation has over the ignored and neglected to rust.
The Aisha Buhari Cup was an evidence that showed that investments and supports of her indigenous women tier of football yielded. The Super Falcons have been reliant on ageing squad, which have done incredible job over the years but it's time to grow young talents when they retires.
Bayana Bayana team had younger and energetic squad that out match and outpace the falcons in the Aisha Buhari Cup final.
This would be a problem for the Nigerian women national team in a long run and near future, if only that would be looked on by NFF.
WAFCON Trophy and Government Incentives
The Nigerian Super Falcons were in Morocco to defend their crown, but the host nation Morocco oust the 9th WAFCON champions out from the semi Final
The Banyana Banyana of South Africa have gotten cash incentives from the South African FA to win the 2022 WAFCON Morocco and that has been fulfilled by the rainbow ladies.
The South Africans were one of the top favourites for the tournament having gathered a young team of talented players that had received massive investment and with the influence of star player, Kgatlana.
South Africa was paired in group C alongside Nigeria, Burundi, and Botswana. The Bayana Bayana girls made it first and top the group having won two matches and drew one
Get Cup, Get the Money 💰💰
SAFA president Danny Jordan promised to pay the ladies with government Incentives which was provided
🗣️“We are going to pay R9.2 million ($578,000) in bonuses for this team, on the basis that they win the (Women’s) AFCON,” according to the SABC.
“So, if they win Afcon we will pay R9.2 million ($578,000) and if you look at the other cost in other words our investment in this team for specifically this Afcon is R10 million ($628,330).”
“This is our commitment, our confidence in Banyana Banyana and let me just tell you this, R10 million is the highest-paid amount ever paid in the national team, men and women, so you have broken the barriers, you have the highest amount paid for any national team in the history of South African football.”
South Africa came close four years ago, only losing to the Super Falcons on penalties after both teams failed to score in 120 minutes.
Bayana Bayana Team captain Refiloe Jane believed the incentives will be an advantage to the team as they’ll focus on just playing football.
🗣️“You’ve always said that when we [are] going to the tournament, you want to focus merely on just playing,” she said.
“We should sort out all the issues that we have before the tournament begins and I think this was one of the issues that we had and for you to come and honour us, give this promise it’s the kind of the motivation to the team and I know besides that motivation of wanting to receive the money, we also want to go out there and represent our nation with pride."