As the Super Falcons gear up to face tournament hosts Morocco in today’s grand finale of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dispatched a presidential delegation to represent the nation.
Alongside this, he delivered a rousing message of support, charging the team to make the country proud by clinching the coveted trophy.
In a personally written note, the President lauded the Falcons for their impressive display throughout the competition, noting the pride and hope they’ve inspired across the nation.
Tinubu addressed the team with words of admiration and motivation, writing, “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.”
The President specifically highlighted a touching moment of sportsmanship involving the Falcons’ visit to injured South African player Gabriela Salgado following their semi-final victory, “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.”
Reflecting on the team’s journey to the final, Tinubu expressed confidence in their ability to make history, “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.”
To emphasize the government’s support, Tinubu revealed he had dispatched a high-level delegation to Rabat to cheer on the team, “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.”
The President also extended gratitude to all who have supported the Falcons throughout their WAFCON campaign, “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.”
Looking ahead with optimism, Tinubu concluded his message with anticipation, “I look forward to receiving the team, the trophy, and the officials in Abuja.”
