- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honour on all the Super Falcons’ 24 players and 11 technical crew over their victory at the just concluded 2024 Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco.
NPO Reported that the Super Falcons had on Saturday pulled a dramatic 3-2 comeback win against the host nation to clinch a historical 10th continental title.
Tinubu, who received the team at a grand reception hosted by the Federal Government in Abuja, conferred the honour of the Order of the Niger (OON) on the entire team and the crew members.
He also gifted the team a three-bedroom apartment each at the Renewed Hope estate.
The President further granted $100,000 cash award to each of the players while members of the technical crew were gifted $50,000 each.
Tinubu announced this during his remark at the reception of the 10-time WAFCON champions after the trophy was handed over to him by the team captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, and goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie.
In his address, Tinubu hailed the Super Falcons for making Nigeria proud.
The President maintained that the victory represents more than a sport accomplishment but a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency.
“It’s just a joy to have you here victorious. I’m looking well relaxed and accomplished. Today, you returned home as champions of Africa. We could not be prouder and it cannot be more historic. You made us very proud.
“You make it a milestone in the history of sports. This is the 10th time Nigeria return triumphant.
“Your victory represents more than a sport accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency.” Tinubu said.
Meanwhile, the President admitted to his initial reluctance to watch the final.
He disclosed getting offended when Nigeria trailed by two goals before Esther Okoronkwo’s second half penalty which reduced the deficit to 2-1.
Tinubu also recounted how First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, left him hungry as she nearly abandoned his dinner to watch the match in the kitchen.
“Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I don’t want high blood pressure. But people came in and turn my TV to that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless.
“But I was there still watching the indomitable spirit of resilience, determination, and courage.
“After that penalty and I saw 2-1, my spirit was lifted, and I believe that of the nation too was lifted.
“But what you almost did got me hungrier because your mother was in the kitchen, almost abandoning my dinner. The game that she doesn’t really watch except the girls are the ones playing, and she came saying we have won.
“I said we have not yet won and at the end of the final whistle, it was all excitement all over the country.” He said.
The President further commended the team for inspiring him and millions of Nigerians as he pledged to continue encouraging the team.
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see the proof that their dreams are valid and achievable. You inspired me too. It is a great thing for a nation to have assets that are hope of today, tomorrow, and hereafter.
“We will continue to encourage you, encourage the next generation, and other generations after you.” He said.