MTN gifts Super Falcons ₦150 million for WAFCON 2025 win, sparking cheers and online jokes.
Nigerians applaud the gesture but playfully blame their “missing data” for funding the reward.
Telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria has gifted the Super Falcons a cash donation of ₦150 million in celebration of their historic win at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), drawing both praise and humor-laced criticism from Nigerians online.
The Falcons claimed their 10th WAFCON title after a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against host nation Morocco in Rabat, with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini sealing the win. Their triumph has sparked a wave of recognition from the government and the private sector.
The players, who returned to Nigeria on Sunday, were first honoured at a state banquet hosted by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. Each team member received a national honour (OON), a three-bedroom apartment, and the naira equivalent of $100,000.
MTN followed up by hosting the team to a celebratory breakfast in Lagos on Thursday, during which it announced the ₦150 million donation to the players and technical crew.
Social Media Reactions: Cheers and Chuckles
While many hailed the donation as a commendable gesture, a wave of tongue-in-cheek reactions emerged online, with users linking the gift to MTN’s data pricing and network performance.
- @ToriaNkanang joked: “Make them sha nor comot 10GB from my data balance to compensate this money.”
- @iam_lexie_b commented: “With our stolen data money abi? Make una continue!!”
- @CityBoyABJ added: “40 million Nigerians will agree we all deserve that ₦150M each for bad MTN network lately.”
- @gomeizar quipped: “I know part of my money went into this gift through data zapping, but no worries, Super Falcons deserve it.”
Despite the playful tone, many Nigerians agreed the Super Falcons earned the reward, having brought pride and inspiration to the nation.
Team captain and tournament MVP Rasheedat Ajibade expressed appreciation for MTN’s gesture. In a statement posted online, she said:
“Special thanks to MTN and every Nigerian who welcomed us in Lagos. We feel valued, honored, and respected. This will inspire us to do better and inspire the next generation.”
The team’s trophy parade in Lagos featured cheers from fans and lively moments, including dancing and public interactions. A viral moment showed Tosin Demehin warning Jennifer Echegini to be cautious with her phone during the celebration, highlighting Lagos’ bustling street energy.
The Falcons’ victory continues to galvanize nationwide support, and MTN contribution is one of several from private brands recognizing the team’s achievement. While Nigerians remain humorously suspicious of “data deductions,” their pride in the Falcons is unmistakably genuine.
