In a heartfelt show of support and appreciation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the efforts of the Super Falcons of Nigeria following their valiant display at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Despite their elimination from the tournament, the team's unwavering determination and skill on the pitch have earned them praise and recognition on the global stage.
The Super Falcons, Nigeria's esteemed women's national football team, faced England in a tense Round of 16 clash that left fans on the edge of their seats.
The match ended in a hard-fought 0-0 draw after 120 minutes of intense action at Lang Park, Brisbane. The subsequent penalty shootout saw the Super Falcons narrowly edged out by England, who emerged victorious with a 4-2 scoreline.
🏴APK! in Lang Park 🏟️
🏴 England 0-0 Nigeria 🇳🇬
We are out of the #FIFAWWC no thanks to a 4-2 penalty loss to the European champions in Brisbane!
We gave our best, but our journey comes to an end here😥😥#SoarSuperFalcons | #ENGNGA| #NGA | #ENG pic.twitter.com/MFL07qkGnz
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) August 7, 2023
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commends Super Falcons' spirited effort
President Tinubu, known for his dedication to sports development in Nigeria, took to his Twitter account to extend his admiration and respect to the Super Falcons.
In a tweet that resonated with pride and appreciation, he commended the team for their remarkable performance on the global stage.
He tweeted, “I must commend the effort by our Super Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Your brilliant performance did not go unnoticed despite the final outcome. You made Nigeria proud on the global stage!”
I must commend the effort by our Super Falcons @NGSuper_Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Your brilliant performance did not go unnoticed despite the final outcome. You made Nigeria proud on the global stage! pic.twitter.com/WtlPk0nYMN
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) August 7, 2023
The commendation from President Tinubu reflects the broader sentiment among Nigerians who recognized and celebrated the Super Falcons' dedication and hard work throughout their Women's World Cup campaign.
The team's resilience and commitment in the face of stiff competition garnered widespread respect and admiration, solidifying their place as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and football enthusiasts across the nation.
Super Falcons win hearts despite loss
In the wake of a hard-fought battle on the football pitch, the Super Falcons of Nigeria have garnered admiration and praise from unexpected quarters.
Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of Nigeria's president, and Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State have both hailed the team's tenacity and exceptional performance, even in the face of the loss to England in the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup.
Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, known for her vocal support of women's causes and empowerment, expressed her appreciation for the Super Falcons‘ valiant efforts.
In her statement, she praised the team's spirited performance and noted that Nigeria had given England a run for their money on the field.
“I want to say that they played very well and we are proud of them. We gave England a run for their money and so we will be waiting to receive them,” Sen. Tinubu stated.
She emphasized that the match had been far from easy for the English side, highlighting the fierce competition and fine football exhibited by the Super Falcons.
First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON with the wife of the Vice President Hajia Nana Shettima and wife of the senate President Mrs Ekaette Akpabio after watching the FIFA Women's World Cup round of 16 game, have commended the Super Falcons saying they are very proud of… pic.twitter.com/TXI4Y4d1pc
— Busola Kukoyi (@KukoyiBusola) August 7, 2023
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State also joined the chorus of voices congratulating the Super Falcons for their remarkable display against England.
In a message of encouragement, Gov. Bello urged the team to stay strong and resilient in the face of adversity. He extended his best wishes for their future endeavours, highlighting the pride and inspiration they had brought to the nation.
“Be strong when you are weak, brave when you are panicked, and unassuming when you are triumphant. Hearty congratulations to our incredible Super Falcons of Nigeria for an outstanding performance in the #fifawomensworldcup. Your unwavering dedication, teamwork, and relentless pursuits of excellence, demonstrates the true spirit of our nation Nigeria. Keep attempting to accomplish the outlandish! Best of luck for success in the days ahead. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Be strong when you are weak, brave when you are panicked, and unassuming when you are triumphant.
Hearty congratulations to our incredible @NGSuper_Falcons for an outstanding performance in the #fifawomensworldcup
Your unwavering dedication, teamwork, and relentless pursuits… pic.twitter.com/faQT3OqBtj
— Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Bello, CON (@OfficialGYBKogi) August 7, 2023
The outpouring of support and admiration from these prominent figures underscores the broader sentiment felt by Nigerians across the country. The Super Falcons' performance transcended the boundaries of victory or defeat, embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship and dedication.
Their efforts, showcased on the global stage, serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and a testament to the potential that lies within Nigeria's sporting landscape.
As the Super Falcons return home, they do so with heads held high, knowing that their resilience and commitment have earned them not only recognition but also the respect and admiration of fans and leaders alike.
The journey may have taken an unexpected turn, but the team's spirit remains unbroken, and their legacy as true ambassadors of Nigerian football continues to shine brightly.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 months ago
