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.
*Watch the video below:
“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.
Before the battle with Morocco, President Tinubu encouraged the Super Falcons. Below is his message
PRESIDENT TINUBU’S MESSAGE TO THE SUPER FALCONS AHEAD OF THE 2024 WAFCON FINAL IN RABAT
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.
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.
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.
I have sent a presidential delegation to attend the final in Rabat to convey the full support of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to cheer you on to victory.
The delegation comprises 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.
I thank the families of the Super Falcons team, coaches, friends, the Nigerian Community in Morocco, the Nigeria Football Supporters Club and the Nigerian Mission in Morocco for their steady support throughout this 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.
I look forward to receiving the team, the trophy, and the officials in Abuja.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
June 26, 2025
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