IT isn’t every time that Nigerians have something to cheer about. And that’s why news of Nigeria’s senior national female football team, the Super Falcons, subduing the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco and lifting their 10th Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title is so thrilling and soul-lifting for millions of football-loving Nigerians. The victory was made all the more remarkable because, quite against the run of expectations, the Lionesses led Nigeria by two goals to nil at half time, and some impatient Nigerians had even turned off their television sets in disgust. The Moroccans had gone two goals up inside 24 minutes through goals from their captain, Ghizlane Chebbak, and Sanaa Mssoudy, stunning the Falcons who, on their way to the final, had conceded no goal in open play. As even President Bola Tinubu himself would later admit while hosting the victorious team and the coaching crew to a reception at the State House, the half-time score left him “offended and restless.”
Gloriously, the Super Falcons came from 2-0 down to beat the hosts 3-2 in the final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, and Nigerians simply went into ecstasy. First there was a penalty converted by Esther Okoronkwo, the Woman of the Match, at the 64th minute of the game, and then there was a super finishing by Folashade Ijamilusi, who was also set up by the same magical midfielder, this time at the 71st minute. As it turned out, Okoronkwo was not yet done. With just two minutes left in regulation time, the unplayable player released a cross right into the path of Jennifer Echegini who slotted home the winning goal, ending the dreams of the Moroccan ladies who had also lost the final of the 2022 edition to the Banyana Banyana of South Africa and whose fans would not stop beaming laser light at the Falcons’ faces throughout the match.
If any eyebrows were raised when Justin Madugu was appointed as the Super Falcons’ coach in September last year because of his perceived limited coaching experience, they were dissolved as the team progressed at the tournament. Ahead of the final, the Falcons recorded two wins over Tunisia (3-0), and Botswana (1-0) and a draw against Algeria, topping their group without conceding a single goal. They then demolished Zambia 5-0 during the quarter finals and overcame the Banyana Banyana of South Africa 2-1 to qualify for their 10th WAFCON final. In addition to the WAFCON trophy, the Super Falcons also won the Player of the Tournament gong (Rasheedat Ajibade) and the Goalkeeper of the Tournamant award (Chiamaka Nnadozie). That was not all: the Super Falcons’ coach, Madugu, carted home the Coach of the Tournament award. It was, by any standards, a glorious outing for the perennial WAFCON winners who, by their latest achievement, are now the record holders in women’s football in the world with ten titles. They have now won ten out of 13 WAFCON titles, trailed far behind by South Africa (two titles) and Equatorial Guinea (one title). Of course, the Super Falcons brought home the tournament’s $1 million prize.
Apparently thrilled by the Falcons’ feat, President Tinubu conferred national honours on all 24 players and the 11-member technical crew. By that gesture, they became Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) title holders. That was not all: the president also directed the allocation of three-bedroom flats to each player and technical crew member in the government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme in Abuja, and then he approved a cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 players, and $50,000 equivalent to each member of the technical crew. He told the victors: “You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable. You have inspired me, too. And it’s great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you. Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency. Your story is a story of hope.”
In a further show of appreciation, the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also announced a donation of ₦10 million to each of the players and technical team members on behalf of the 36 state governors. And then, various corporate organisations, Super Eagles players and public-spirited individuals also made donations to the team in appreciation of its astounding feat. Among other congratulatory notes, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the Super Falcons as role models and shining examples of courage and excellence. She enthused: “You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves—that it is not over until it is over. The zeal you displayed on the pitch was nothing short of inspirational. You never wavered and reminded the world why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football.”
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No doubt, the Super Falcons’ Morocco 2024 triumph is monumental. This is beyond historic, and the fact that the Falcons came from behind to clinch the trophy makes the victory all the more memorable. As the Queens of African football, the Super Falcons have made a statement that no one can ignore. It is no mean feat to win the WAFCON ten times. The Falcons fought till the last minute and we commend them for their resilience and never-say-die spirit. No doubt, this victory was and still is a balm for many Nigerians. It lifted their spirits. We commend the Falcons’ attitude to other sportsmen and women, and we note that they were equally well rewarded.
That said, however, there is still many things to address. First, the president needs to look into the complaints of past Falcons players who alleged that they did not get their presidentially promised rewards, and had their jerseys seized by corrupt Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials. The government should redeem those pledges as a mark of honour. Again, the Super Falcons’ win should blind no one to the need to shelve shoddy preparations for tournaments. On the continental level, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) should address lingering officiating questions, and ensure that teams’ supporters do not have any opportunity to harm players through laser beams going forward. It should also address accommodation and sporting problems. No team should be lodged in hotels lacking gyms.
We celebrate the Super Falcons on their monumental win and urge them to fight harder on the global stage and bring honour to Nigeria. Thank you, Super, Super Falcons!