The triumphant Super Falcons of Nigeria is set to Arrive Abuja, Nigeria’s capital early Monday morning after a 5-star outing that saw them win the Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for a record 10 times.
The African champions will be hosted at the Presidential Villa by President Bola Tinubu later in the day.
Earlier, President Tinubu had celebrated the victorious Nigerian female team whom he said “understood the assignment.”
In message shared on his X handle immediately after Nigeria defeated hosts Morocco in a dramatic comeback, President Tinubu paid glowing tribute to the ladies saying:
“They chose to accept this mission
“They understood the assignment.
“Our Superior Super Falcons delivered in true Nigerian fashion. Never say Never.
“They went. They saw. They have conquered again!
“10-time champions of Africa.”
In a separate statement, presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, stated that President Tinubu had spoken with the ladies and the team handlers in Rabat and wished them safe journey back to the homeland for the celebrations. According to Onanuga, the president also thanked Esther Okoronkwo for being “courageous” at the critical moment that kict-started Nigeria’s rebound in the game.
The full statement reads:
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his delight at the Super Falcons’ spectacular victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), stating that he eagerly looks forward to receiving the trophy in Abuja.
In a post-match video call with team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, her teammates, and Nigerian officials, President Tinubu congratulated the team on securing a record 10th continental title and lifting the nation’s spirits.
“I am very, very proud of you. The entire nation is proud of you. You have lifted our spirits. You are a pride to your generation and we are all very happy.
“You will be celebrated, and I congratulate all the coaches and management of the team, including the ministers and the officials,” he said.
The President extended his best regards to Rasheedat Ajibade, who emerged as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and clinched the Woman of the Tournament award.
He also praised Esther Okoronkwo’s composure during a crucial moment in the final, describing her 64th-minute penalty kick, which sparked a dramatic comeback, as “very courageous.”
Okoronkwo created the second goal and delivered the decisive free-kick that Jennifer Echegini converted to seal Nigeria’s 3-2 victory.
”Safe journey home, enjoy yourselves, avoid injuries, God bless you,” the President told the jubilant players and officials, who repeatedly interjected with ”Thank you, Mr President!”
Responding on behalf of the team, Ajibade thanked the President for approving the full payment of players’ allowances. She assured him the team was eager to present him with the WAFCON trophy in Abuja.
The lively exchange ended with a spirited rendition of the national anthem and three thunderous “Gbosa!” cheers for the President.
