After claiming a record-extending 10th title at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Nigeria's women's football team received a presidential welcome on home soil. The Super Falcons' win has inspired hope and national pride in Africa's most populous country.
by Olatunji Saliu
ABUJA, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's women's football team received a presidential welcome on home soil after its triumphant outing at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The Super Falcons rallied from two goals down at halftime to defeat host Morocco 3-2 in Rabat last Saturday, claiming a record-extending 10th continental title.
On arrival at the capital's airport Monday afternoon, a large crowd of jubilant supporters and local officials gathered to greet the team, hailing it for inspiring hope and national pride in Africa's most populous country.
"You have inspired me, too. And it is great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow and the day after," Nigerian President Bola Tinubu told the team and crew during a reception at the presidential palace. "You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you."
Tinubu said the Super Falcons had inspired millions of Nigerians, especially young girls, who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable. He recounted the emotional moments of the final match, noting how the team's resilience lifted the nation's spirits and united Nigerians from all walks of life.
"Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency," he said. "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."
Nigerians at home and abroad have continued to praise the team. Some believe the success could attract greater investment in women's football, improving facilities, training, and opportunities for players.
Shehu Dikko, head of Nigeria's National Sports Commission, called the win "a symbol of national unity, inspiration, and the triumph of belief, courage and excellence." He said it reinforces Nigeria's dominance in African women's football and could boost the men's national team, the Super Eagles, as it pursues qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The victory was a product of determination and resilience, said Ayodeji Ogunsakin, vice president of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria.
Tinubu conferred the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger on all 24 players and the 11-member technical team in recognition of their "patriotism" and victory. He also directed that each player and technical crew member receive a three-bedroom apartment under the government's Renewed Hope Housing Scheme. In addition, the president approved cash awards equivalent to 100,000 U.S. dollars for each player and 50,000 dollars for each technical team member. Nigeria's state governments pledged an additional 10 million naira (about 6,500 U.S. dollars) for each team member.
This is the highest level of recognition the team has received in more than 27 years, signaling a renewed government commitment to sports development, particularly women's football, said Aisha Falode, president of the Nigeria Women Football League.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade dedicated the victory to her teammates and to every Nigerian girl with big dreams.
"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," said Ajibade, who was named the best player of the tournament.
She said the win was not just a trophy but a testament to the "unyielding spirit of Nigeria."
"It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns and cities who dares to dream. This 10th title is for every young child who believes and dreams of being on this stage someday," she said. ■
