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.
Special Adviser to the President on information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga in a statement said President Tinubu made the remark during a post-match video call with team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, her teammates, and Nigerian officials.
Onanuga added that 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,” Te 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.
PRESIDENT TINUBU’S MESSAGE TO THE SUPER FALCONS AHEAD OF THE 2024 WAFCON FINAL IN RABAT
It would be recalled that Tinubu had in a statement signed by himself on Saturday encouraged the Super Falcons to win the match and return to Nigeria with the cup.
He said he would be delighted to receive the team, officials and cup in Abuja.
The President who sent a delegation to cheer up the team in Morocco, said ‘My beloved Super Falcons,
“Tonight, you stand at the cusp of history as you face the host nation, Morocco, in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
“Your performance at this tournament over the past three weeks has been awe-inspiring. You have represented our country with pride, honour, and strength.
“If statistics alone win matches, you are already champions. Unbeaten in the group stages, victorious in the knockout rounds, and conceding only a goal in the semi-finals. Apart from this, you have emerged triumphant in all your previous nine finals.
“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.
“I look forward to receiving the team, the trophy, and the officials in Abuja.”
.
