President Bola Tinubu has urged the Super Falcons of Nigeria to “go for the tenth” as they prepare to face Morocco Saturday night in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat, Morocco.
In a heartfelt message released by the State House on Saturday, President Tinubu praised the team’s “awe-inspiring” performance throughout the tournament and expressed the nation’s collective pride in their achievements.
“Your performance at this tournament over the past three weeks has been awe-inspiring. You have represented our country with pride, honour, and strength,” Tinubu said.
The President lauded the Falcons, not only for their success on the field, remaining unbeaten through the group stages, winning every knockout match, and conceding only one goal in the semi-finals, but also for their sportsmanship.
He highlighted their visit to injured South African player Gabriela Salgado after the semi-final clash as “a simple act of compassion that reflects our shared humanity, empathy, and sisterly affection, which we Africans hold in high regard.”
Tinubu reminded the team of their winning pedigree, noting that Nigeria has triumphed in all nine previous WAFCON finals, urging them to write history once again by lifting a record 10th title.
“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,” he stated.
In order to underscore the country’s support, Tinubu dispatched a presidential delegation to Rabat for the match, comprising 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.
Tinubu also extended gratitude to the families of the players, the coaching crew, the Nigerian community in Morocco, and the Nigeria Football Supporters Club for standing firmly behind the team.
“You will finish strong by the Grace of God. Go for the tenth! Bring the trophy home,” Tinubu urged. “Your fellow countrymen and women, young and old, are rooting for you.”
The Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s football team, will look to add another chapter to their illustrious history Saturday night as they face the host nation in front of a packed Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
