President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fulfilled his $100,000 reward pledge to the Super Falcons following the team’s historic triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations where Nigeria clinched a record-extending 10th continental title.

According to a statement from the National Sports Commission ,NSC), the players have started receiving payments of approximately ₦140 million each, representing the naira equivalent of the President’s promised reward.

The payment comes months after the Super Falcons staged a remarkable comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final played in July 2025.

Having gone two goals down, the Super Falcons rallied in the second half to secure a memorable victory and reclaim the African crown.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade has expressed the team’s appreciation to President Tinubu for honouring his commitment, noting that the gesture recognises the players’ hard work and achievement on the continental stage.

The reward is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to recognise and encourage Nigerian athletes following outstanding performances in international competitions.

In a similar gesture, President Tinubu also fulfilled his $100,000 reward pledge to members of D’Tigress after their victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship, where the Nigerian women’s basketball team extended its dominance by winning a fifth consecutive title.

The latest development marks another financial recognition of the Super Falcons’ achievement and their place in the history of African women’s football.

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane says he would swap his Ballon d’Or trophy for a Champions League winner’s medal.

The 33-year-old became the first Englishman since 2001 to win the accolade, beating Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal.

But Kane, who is expected to sign a new contract with Bayern “within the next few days”, says winning Europe’s elite club competition is at the forefront of his mind after a “rollercoaster” week.

“Team trophies are why we play football. The team aspect of our sport is really, really important,” Kane told a news conference before Bayern’s Champions League fixture with Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital.

“The Ballon d’Or last week was one of the best feelings I’ve had in my life and my career.

“But to have moments with the team, celebrations with the club – to be able to lift the Champions League with Bayern would be an incredible feeling.”

When asked if he had to pick between lifting the European Cup and the Ballon d’Or, the England captain added: “I would choose the Champions League, but I have the opportunity to do both – let’s see what happens.

“The Ballon d’Or is a highlight, it puts me on an even bigger level, but you want to have these big finals, the Champions League, having that feeling of emotion with your team-mates as well.”

‘Extremely close’ on new contract
Kane said there had been “good conversations” in recent days over a new contract with Bayern and he was “extremely close” to putting pen to paper on a deal.

“A lot of the bigger stuff has been ironed out and we are happy with,” said Kane, who joined Bayern from Tottenham for £86.4m (100m euros) in August 2023.

“But in every contract there are loads of little things that go into it, small details that in the end the lawyers have to thrash out and figure out.

“So all in all I would say it is more days than weeks. From what I have heard, the conversations have gone well again today.

“Hopefully we will be in a place to do something within the next few days.”

Bayern’s preparations have also been overshadowed by the absence of head coach Vincent Kompany.

The Belgian was taken to hospital after collapsing during a training session involving Bayern’s reserve team on 23 October.

Kompany was discharged from hospital five days later and is continuing his recovery, with no definitive return date established.

Assistant Aaron Danks has overseen first-team duties in his absence.

Kane acknowledged the difficulty of being without his manager but insisted the squad were coping well.

“We’re missing our coach, but everyone has the opportunity to prove themselves and there’s a long way to go,” he added.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has thrown his support behind Ademola Lookman amid the Nigerian forward’s difficult spell at the Spanish club this season.

Lookman has struggled to replicate the impressive form he showed after joining Atletico last season, with his playing time also reduced in recent weeks.

The 28-year-old featured for just 14 minutes in Atletico’s 2-0 victory over Levante last Saturday.

Speaking ahead of Atletico’s UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, Simeone expressed confidence in Lookman’s ability to rediscover his best form, urging him to remain patient, work hard and maintain belief in himself.

The gaffer acknowledged that difficult periods are an inevitable part of football and encouraged the Nigerian international not to become frustrated by his current situation.

“I have a lot of faith in him. I don’t want him to get frustrated because he’s not going through his best moment, because it’s part of life, part of the game, part of football,” Simeone told reporters.

“This is work, this is believing in what you do.”

Despite his struggles in domestic competitions, Lookman has shown glimpses of his quality in Europe, recording one goal and one assist in three Champions League appearances for Atletico this season.

Overall, the Nigerian has contributed two goals and one assist in 14 appearances across all competitions for the LaLiga side.