Defender Osinachi Ohale says Nigerian players are “grateful” after each being rewarded with US$10,000 (£7,800) by the country’s government for reaching the last 16 at the Women’s World Cup.
The Super Falcons’ discipline propelled them through a group containing co-hosts Australia and Olympic champions Canada before they were eliminated on penalties by England after a 0-0 draw.
Nigeria’s first lady Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of president Bola Tinubu, praised the “unbreakable spirit and unwavering strength” when she hosted team members and officials, external at the presidential villa in Abuja before announcing the unprecedented reward.
“We are grateful for this unexpected gesture because for several years we’ve been winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) and I can’t remember us being honoured or rewarded this way,” the experienced Ohale told BBC Sport Africa.
“We appreciate the federal government for their support and encouragement. And we also thank Nigerians for the remarkable support during the tournament.
“Nigeria is a country where the public appreciate good things. When you do something good, they will show appreciation, and when you don’t do well, they will still show it – they will forget the good things you’ve been doing, so that’s how it is,” she laughed.
“I’m just happy we were able to put a smile on their faces.”