As the Super Falcons gear up for the grand finale of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), President Bola Tinubu has charged the Nigerian women’s national team to bring home the title and etch their names in football history once again.
In a statement personally signed by the President on Saturday, just hours before the Falcons take on host nation Morocco at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Tinubu expressed confidence in the team’s ability to emerge victorious.
“You will finish strong by the grace of God. Go for the tenth! Bring the trophy home. Your fellow countrymen and women, young and old, are rooting for you,” the President said.
Tinubu praised the Falcons for their display of grit and consistency throughout the tournament, describing their campaign as nothing short of inspirational.
“Tonight, you stand at the cusp of history. Your performance over the past three weeks has been awe-inspiring. You have flown Nigeria’s flag high with pride, honour, and strength,” he noted.
The President also commended the team for their touching show of sportsmanship during the semi-finals, where they visited injured South African player, Gabriela Salgado, in the hospital after their match against Banyana Banyana.
“On and off the pitch, you have embodied true sportsmanship. Seeing photos of your visit to Gabriela Salgado moved me deeply. That simple act speaks volumes about our shared humanity and the sisterhood we cherish as Africans,” he added.
Tinubu further acknowledged the Falcons’ impressive run in the tournament undefeated in the group stage, dominant in the knockout rounds, and conceding just once in the semi-finals.
“If matches were won on stats alone, you’d already be champions. You’ve won all nine of your previous WAFCON finals, and now you stand on the verge of a record-extending tenth title.”
To reinforce the country’s support, the President disclosed that a delegation has been dispatched to Morocco to cheer on the team and show the government’s unwavering backing.
The delegation includes:
- Hannatu Musawa – Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy
- Doris Uzoka-Anite – Minister of State for Finance
- Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim – Minister of Women Affairs
- Shehu Dikko – Chairman, National Sports Commission
- Other top government officials
In closing, President Tinubu extended his appreciation to the families of the players, the coaching crew, Nigerian fans in Morocco, the Supporters Club, and diplomatic officials who have stood solidly behind the team throughout their WAFCON campaign.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, we are all behind you. We’re praying for your victory tonight. I eagerly await your return to Abuja with the trophy.”
The Super Falcons, already the most decorated team in WAFCON history with nine titles, will be aiming to clinch their tenth continental crown tonight against Morocco in what promises to be a historic showdown.
