The Super Falcons of Nigeria have emerged champions of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Falcons emerged winner after pulling off a stunning second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco in an exciting final. The Moroccans had taken a 2-0 lead in the first half, seizing on early momentum and a roaring home crowd support at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
The outing has proved the Falcons as the most successful team in the tournament’s history, roaring back after the break scoring thrice. A spirited second-half comeback saw the Super Falcons flip the script in dramatic fashion, scoring thrice through Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini to silence the home fans and reclaim the continental crown.
With this victory, Nigeria completes the 10th WAFCON title and also achieves what the Nigerian Football Federation tagged Mission X in a nod to the Roman Numeral X meaning Ten.
One special feature of the Falcons outing was a deep reliance on their faith and confidence in God with heartwarming instance showing the team singing different praise and worship songs like, “We thank you Jesus, thank you our Lord. Jesus our darling you’re a wonderful God. We love you so much, you’re a wonderful Lord.” In another powerful moment, players were seen singing and declaring, “All the way to Calvary Jesus went for us and died to set us free,” and “we’ll never turn back from following Jesus. No, no, we’ll never turn. It’s too late to turn back from Jesus.”
Rasheedat Ajibade, the team’s captain who has never hidden her new found faith declaring for Jesus Christ. She attributed the team’s success to “God’s grace and mercy” and the team’s collective strong mentality. Ajibade’s commitment to her faith is evident in many aspects of her life and leadership. During the WAFCON, she notably wore a sports shirt emblazoned with the powerful inscription: “JESUS, YOU ARE ENOUGH”.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria has celebrated the triumphant arrival of the female African football champions.
In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described the victory as not just a sporting achievement but a profound testament to the “resilience, excellence, and indomitable Nigerian spirit” embodied by the national team.
“The Super Falcons have, with unmatched skill, discipline, and unity, inscribed Nigeria’s name in gold on the continental stage. They have made the entire nation proud,” Idris said.
On behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government, the minister commended the players, coaches, and technical crew for their commitment and courage throughout the tournament.
“You have inspired a new generation of Nigerians and demonstrated the power of sports as a unifying and uplifting force,” he added.
Idris also reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to sustained investment in sports development and athlete support, promising enhanced resources and platforms to enable Nigerian sportsmen and women excel.
The victory marks Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title, further cementing the Super Falcons’ dominance in African women’s football.
Tinubu, Governors splash N4.95bn cash, houses on Falcons
Following their triumph at the just-concluded 2024 WAFCON tournament, the 24 players and 11 technical crew of the Super Falcons have been rewarded with a cash prize of N4.602bn as well as the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by President Bola Tinubu.
The players and officials were also given the sum of N350m by the Nigerian Governors Forum, taking their cash reward to N4.952bn during their reception at the Presidential Villa on Monday.
Road to the top
To earn the presidential honour, the Falcons secured top spot in their group at the tournament with seven points without conceding a goal, before cruising past Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-finals.
It took a late goal from Michelle Alozie to secure a 2-1 win over South Africa in the semi-finals, while the team weathered the storm against the hosts in the final, thanks to Esther Okoronkwo’s inspiring display.
The Super Falcons also dominated the tournament’s awards as Captain Rasheedat Ajibade won the Player of The Tournament; Chiamaka Nnadozie was named the best keeper while coach Justine Madugu won the best coach award.
The thrilling dominance marked the 10th triumph of the Falcons on the continental stage after their previous triumphs in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018.
Grand reception
The team landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday before proceeding to the reception by the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
President Tinubu had promised the team a befitting reception on Sunday while speaking with them after their triumph.
At the reception, the president said, “Nothing else could have represented it. Crucial time, crucial victory. On behalf of the 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,” Tinubu announced.
“Additionally, I hereby direct the allocation of a three-bedroom apartment for each of the players and the technical crew in our Renewed Hope Estate.
“In addition, there is a cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 players and equivalent of $50,000 to the 11-man technical crew. Once again, I congratulate you, and I continue to pray for you. With this, the Nigerian spirit is unyielding and will never die. God bless you.”
Tinubu’s cash reward was calculated at Monday’s exchange rate of N1,560/$.
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