Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has rewarded the Falconets with $15,000 following their emphatic 4–0 victory over Rwanda in the 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. The win, achieved at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, sealed a 5–0 aggregate success for Nigeria.
Makinde made the
announcement in his
address to the team soon after the match. Such a reward also sets a benchmark. When leaders visibly invest in young talent, it tells players that their efforts aren’t just symbolic they are seen, respected, and worthy of support. In a world where promising youth often go unnoticed, Makinde’s action may inspire others in leadership to step up.
EditorialWe applaud Governor Makinde’s gesture it
reflects a meaningful alignment between performance and reward. In youth football, national pride often carries the emotional weight, but tangible incentives like this can sustain motivation,
underscore value, and signal that excellence is recognised.
Beyond motivation, this kind of backing can influence stability. With funds available, the team can be better supported travel, logistics, training needs all reduce friction. In high-stakes qualifying campaigns,
minimizing off-field distractions contributes to mental focus on the pitch.
We expect that the Falconets will take this as more than a reward. It’s a responsibility. Their next opponents, Senegal or Algeria, will bring tougher challenges. Maintaining performance will matter more than any one win or donation. But with this backing, the Falconets enter the next round with pride, purpose, and the feeling that their work has power beyond the scoreline.
Did You Know? The Falconets’ 4–0 win over Rwanda was their biggest margin in that stage of the
qualifiers.
The $15,000 reward from Makinde is equivalent to over ₦22 million in local currency, reflecting both symbolic and financial support.
Nigeria’s aggregate victory (5–0) means they advanced decisively to face either Senegal or Algeria in the next qualifying round.
Makinde watched the match live in Ibadan and personally addressed the team immediately after the
full-time whistle.
In the first leg in Kigali, Nigeria also defeated Rwanda (1–0),
setting the stage for this dominant home result.
