Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has challenged the Super Falcons to go beyond their African success and target a FIFA Women’s World Cup title in the future.
Speaking during a State House reception on Monday, hosted by President Bola Tinubu to honour the team’s 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory, Mrs. Tinubu expressed her belief in the team’s potential to conquer the world stage.
“I told Mr. President this morning that you need to win the World Cup, and he thought I was too ambitious—and [Rasheedat] Ajibade [Super Falcons’ captain] just seconded that, and that is really possible,” she said to laughter and applause.
Commending the team’s performance, Mrs. Tinubu described their triumph as “a restatement of resilience, teamwork, and determination.” She praised their passion and confidence, calling them an inspiration to Nigerian youth, particularly young girls aspiring to greatness through sports.
“To our champions—let this be a stepping stone to even greater achievement. Nigeria believed in you, and I have faith in you. The future of women’s football is bright, and you are leading the charge,” she said.
The First Lady also extended her gratitude to the coaching crew, Nigerian Football Federation, National Sports Commission, and the passionate fans, noting that “this win belongs to all of us.”
President Bola Tinubu, during his remarks, conferred national honours on the victorious players and announced generous rewards to celebrate their success.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, I hereby confer on the players and the 11-man technical team the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON),” he declared.
He further directed the allocation of a three-bedroom apartment to each player and team member, along with a cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 players and $50,000 to each member of the technical crew.
The Super Falcons secured their 10th WAFCON title with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over host nation Morocco last Saturday.
What You Should Know
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, is an outspoken advocate for women’s empowerment and youth development. Her challenge to the Super Falcons reflects her ambition for Nigeria to make its mark on the global football stage, building on a legacy of continental dominance.
