The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced a cash reward of $5,000 for every goal scored by the Super Falcons during the group stage of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), in a move aimed at motivating the team as it begins the defence of its continental title in Morocco.

The incentive comes ahead of Nigeria’s opening Group B encounter against Malawi, with the nine-time African champions seeking to extend their dominance by capturing a record 11th WAFCON crown. Blueprint reports

The performance-based reward means the Super Falcons stand to receive additional financial bonuses for every goal they score in their three group matches against Malawi, Zambia and Egypt.

Incentive to boost attacking play

The goal bonus is expected to provide extra motivation for the players as they look to make a strong start to their campaign and secure qualification for the knockout stages.

With a squad packed with experienced stars and exciting attacking talents, Nigeria is widely regarded as one of the favourites to progress from the group and challenge for the title once again.

The incentive also reflects the National Sports Commission’s commitment to rewarding excellence and encouraging outstanding performances by Nigerian athletes on the international stage.

Falcons target strong start

Nigeria enters the tournament as Africa’s most successful women’s national team, having won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations a record 10 times.

Head coach Justine Madugu has assembled a formidable squad led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and a host of experienced internationals expected to spearhead the country’s title defence.

The Super Falcons will begin their campaign against Malawi before facing Zambia and Egypt in what promises to be a competitive Group B.

High expectations

The financial incentive comes amid high expectations that the Super Falcons will continue their tradition of attacking football and challenge for another continental triumph.

Nigeria has historically been one of the tournament’s most prolific teams, regularly scoring freely during the group stage on the way to lifting the trophy.

With the additional motivation of a $5,000 reward attached to every goal, the players will be aiming not only to secure victories but also to maximise their attacking output as they seek to begin their WAFCON campaign on an emphatic note.

The Super Falcons will hope the incentive translates into goals on the pitch as they pursue another successful outing and reinforce their status as the undisputed queens of African women’s football.