Shortly after being defeated by England, President Bola Tinubu led millions of soccer-loving Nigerians to cheer the Super Falcons for putting up an outstanding performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The female national football team lost their round of 16 match against the Lionesses of England, in a fiercely fought match determined on penalties.
In a tweet posted on his verified X account on Monday, President Tinubu acknowledged that the Super Falcons had represented Nigeria well and made the people proud on a global stage, adding that their brilliant performance did not go unnoticed.
“I must commend the effort by our Super Falcons @NGSuper_Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Your brilliant performance did not go unnoticed despite the final outcome. You made Nigeria proud on the global stage,” the President said.
First Lady
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu also celebrated the Super Falcons for their superb performance in their match against the England team.
In a statement by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, Senator Tinubu said she is very proud of the girls, who she said played their hearts out in the Round of 16 encounter of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The First Lady, who watched the match with the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, and the wife of Senate President, Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, described the match as a tension-soaked encounter, saying the Nigerian girls were no push overs.
She said the only thing the England side had going for them was simply luck, emphasizing that she is indeed very proud of the performance of the Super Falcons.
The First Lady said she would be waiting to receive them as true heroes on their return home.
The Super Falcons lost 4-2 on penalties to their England counterparts after the completion of regulation time and extra time at the ongoing FIFA Women World Cup Tournament.
Senatorial compliment
The Senate has commended the Super Falcons for their performance at the on-going 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Super Falcons crashed out on Monday after losing to England, 2-4 on penalties.
The commendation was sequel to a point of order raised by Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, during plenary on Monday.
Barau said the commendation would further encourage the players and other youths in the country to do things that would be beneficial to them and the country.
“The commendation will encourage the players to do more in future competitions.
“Aside from the Super Falcons, it will encourage other youths in the country to engage in things that will be beneficial to them and the country,” he said.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said: “Our young girls who went to battle in the World Cup have made the country proud.
“We must commend them for displaying their talents. We believe strongly that in the future they will do better by God’s grace.”
Social media reaction
Netizens have gone all out to rain praise on the ladies on social media.
Reacting to this, @Sabitalk1 wrote on Instagram, “If you’re still proud of our girls gather here. Our men dey gba penalty lo throwing.”
@d.a.m.m.y.m said, “Please if you did not watch the match don’t even comment. Nigeria played well like they played really good the England are just lucky, indeed penalty is a game of luck, as far as I’m concerned our keeper is the best keeper in this World Cup.”
Another Instagram user, @adelakuntufayl said, “Penalty is a game of luck the Nigerian team made themselves very proud.”
@iam_bmodel said, “They really played so well, my fear was the match entering into a penalty shootout and it eventually entered. I know how experienced England players are. Well done girls. We go again.”
