President Muhammadu Buhari, Saturday, congratulated Nigeria’s senior female national team, the Super Falcons, on their victory over the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in the final match of the 11th Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON), Ghana 2018.
In particular, the President expressed delight at the discipline and commitment exhibited by the team despite the stiff resistance of their South African counterparts.
Buhari’s message was contained in a release by Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity.
In the statement, the President noted that the Super Falcons had earlier qualified to represent Nigeria at the FIFA Women World Cup tournament in France next year. He described winning the AWCON for the third consecutive time and ninth overall, as the “icing on the cake.”
Saluting the country’s female football ambassadors for doing their fatherland proud and showing clear dominance on the African continent, Buhari urged them to approach the France 2019 competition with clear focus and determination to excel on the global stage.
The President also commended the team’s coaching crew, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Supporters Club and all football-loving citizens for adequately preparing and supporting the players, enjoining all stakeholders not to relent in rallying round the country’s football representatives going forward.
“I have never doubted the capacity of Nigerians to excel when given the right support,” he disclosed as he promised “the Federal Government’s commitment to sports development as a unifying force.”