President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged Nigeria’s Super Falcons with a message of encouragement as they prepare to play against Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), urging them to bring the trophy home.
This was contained in a statement by President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday.
He hailed the team’s exceptional performance, describing it as “awe-inspiring” and a source of national pride.
“Your performance at this tournament over the past three weeks has been awe-inspiring. You have represented our country with pride, honour, and strength.
“In the pitch and off the pitch, you have demonstrated true sportsmanship.” He said.
He praised their discipline and display of sportsmanship, particularly their recent gesture of solidarity towards South African player, Gabriela Salgado, who was injured during the semi-final match.
“In the pitch and off the pitch, you have demonstrated true sportsmanship.
“I was delighted to see photographs of your visit to the injured Gabriela Salgado of South Africa’s Banyana Banyana following the semi-final match.
“That simple act of compassion reflects our shared humanity, empathy, and sisterly affection, which we Africans hold in high regard.”
He further highlighted the team’s dominant record in the competition, unbeaten in the group stages, triumphant in the knockout rounds, and having conceded only one goal en route to the final.
He also noted their historic legacy, having won all previous nine WAFCON finals they’ve contested.
“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.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, we are rooting for you and praying for your resounding success tonight, as you strive to achieve the crowning accomplishment of lifting a record tenth continental title.”
In a bid to highlight the federal government’s support, President Tinubu disclosed that he has dispatched a high-level delegation to Rabat.
The delegation includes the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, among others.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the Super Falcons’ families, coaches, and support systems, including the Nigerian community in Morocco, the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, and the Nigerian Mission, for their unwavering encouragement throughout the competition.
“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.” He urged.
NPO Reports that the highly anticipated match is scheduled to kick off tonight at 9:00 p.m. at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.