WAFCON 2024: Senate Celebrates Super Falcons, Call For Unity, Support

The Senate has commended the Super Falcons for their thrilling semifinal victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana at the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The victory sees the nine time African champions advancing to the final and on the brink of securing a record-extending tenth continental title.

During the plenary session, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), led the accolades, praising the team’s resilience, tactical discipline, and their unifying impact on the nation.

“These remarkable women have brought joy and unity to Nigerians at a time when the nation is mourning the loss of great icons, including General Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Dantata, and Oba Adetono,” Senator Ningi stated. “I urge all Nigerians to rally behind the Super Falcons with their prayers as they pursue this historic tenth title—an achievement unparalleled in African women’s football.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed these sentiments, admitting he was emotionally invested in the match despite not being a regular football fan.

“I rarely watch football, but I was transfixed to the screen. That golden goal was surely inspired,” Akpabio remarked, provoking laughter among the lawmakers. “God is clearly with the Falcons.”

In a light-hearted moment, Akpabio playfully cautioned Senator Ningi against engaging in partisan football banter.

“Don’t mention Barau FC too often, or I shall remind you how Godswill FC humbled Gateway United 3-0 last week,” he joked, further uplifting the atmosphere.

The Senate President went on to propose that Senator Ningi be appointed to lead Nigeria’s official delegation to the WAFCON final in Morocco—a suggestion that was met with loud applause throughout the chamber.