President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted Nigeria’s triumphant Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa on Monday, where he shared a humorous yet emotional account of watching their dramatic 3-2 comeback against Morocco in the WAFCON final.
“Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I didn’t want to have high blood pressure,” the President confessed. “But people came in and turned my TV on that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless. But I was still watching with the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage. And after that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too.”
The President revealed how the match nearly disrupted his dinner plans, joking: “But you almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner. She doesn’t watch the game except when the girls are playing. And at the end of the final whistle, it was joy all over the country.”
Tinubu praised the team’s historic 10th WAFCON title as more than a sporting achievement:
“Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency… Your story is a story of hope. And in this era of Renewed Hope, we celebrate you not just as champions of Africa, but as champions of the Nigerian dream.”
He pledged continued government support for women’s football and youth development, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to sports growth.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu hailed the Falcons as inspirational role models: “You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves—that it is not over until it is over. The zeal you displayed on the pitch was nothing short of inspirational.”
She made a bold prediction: “I told Mr. President this morning that you are going on to win the World Cup, and he thought I was too ambitious. But Ajibade, the team captain, just seconded that, and that is possible.”
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade dedicated the victory to Nigerian girls everywhere:
“Today, I stand before you not just as the captain of the Super Falcons, but as a proud daughter of Nigeria, carrying the dreams, resilience, and spirit of our great nation… This 10th title is for you, Mr. President, for Nigerians, for Super Falcons, and for every young child who believes and dreams to be on this stage someday.”
She appealed for sustained investment in women’s football to help Nigeria compete globally.