The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s national women’s football team, were given a spirited send-off by the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, who called on them to bring home the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The team was hosted to a lavish dinner in Abuja on Saturday before their departure for the tournament, set to take place in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.
Representing the First Lady at the event, Dr. Betta Edu, the APC National Women Leader, emphasized the importance of the team’s participation in the 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup with the goal of claiming the coveted trophy.
Sen. Tinubu encouraged the Super Falcons, highlighting football’s unifying power in the country and urging the players to work together and meet the nation’s expectations.
“To achieve success, it is crucial that you play as a team, without any individual considering herself superior to others,” Dr. Betta Edu stated. “It is my hope that this time you will surpass your previous efforts. I am confident that 99.9% of Nigerians will be glued to their television screens to watch you. Please do your best to bring the cup home.”
Expressing her unwavering faith in the team’s capabilities and pedigree, the First Lady promised to personally receive the Super Falcons upon their triumphant return with the World Cup.
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gashua, also acknowledged the government’s support and emphasized football’s role in promoting Nigeria’s image and reducing youth involvement in crime.
“Football remains the greatest unifier worldwide,” stated Alhaji Ibrahim Gashua. “It has helped enhance our national reputation and curb criminal tendencies among our youth. I encourage the coaches to demonstrate utmost dedication, as they will be held accountable for the team’s performance.”
The send-off dinner was attended by prominent figures, including Mr. Philip Shuaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo, high-ranking sports administrators, and members of the diplomatic corps. Remarkably, the Nigerian national women’s soccer team is one of only seven nations to have participated in every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since its inaugural tournament in 1991.
With the support and well-wishes of the First Lady and the nation behind them, the Super Falcons embark on their journey Down Under, fueled by determination to conquer the world stage and etch their names in football history. As their departure draws near, Nigerians eagerly anticipate the team’s remarkable performance and hope to witness the triumphant return of the World Cup to their beloved nation.
