Ahead of Saturday’s 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final, President Bola Tinubu has urged the Super Falcons to end the tournament on a high note and secure the prestigious title.
The call was made in a statement personally signed by the President on Saturday.
“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,” he said.
President Tinubu praised the team’s resilience throughout the tournament, noting that their efforts have brought pride and honour to the country.
He stated, “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.”
He also applauded the team’s show of sportsmanship, particularly their thoughtful gesture toward South African player Gabriela Salgado, who was injured in the semi-finals.
“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 added.
President Tinubu reassured the Super Falcons of his administration’s unwavering support, as well as the backing of Nigerians at home and abroad.
“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 10th 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,” he stated.
The statement also listed members of the presidential delegation, including the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, among others.
President Tinubu extended appreciation to the families of the Super Falcons, coaching crew, friends, members of the Nigerian community in Morocco, the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, and the Nigerian Mission in Morocco for their unwavering support during the tournament.