President Bola Tinubu has told Nigeria’s Super Falcons that he will celebrate them for their outstanding performance at the just concluded 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu said this while having a post-match video call with team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, her teammates, and Nigerian officials after the Super Falcons defeated Morocco on Saturday to lift their 10th WAFCON title.
While congratulating the team for securing the record 10th continental title and lifting the nation’s spirits, Tinubu stated that he eagerly looks forward to receiving the trophy in Abuja.
He expressed his delight at the Super Falcons’ spectacular victory over the hosts, saying “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”.
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 also 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,” a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy added.