…hails WAFCON champions in post-match call, praises Ajibade, Okoronkwo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s Super Falcons on their historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), expressing pride in their accomplishment and telling the jubilant squad, “Safe journey home…I look forward to receiving the trophy in Abuja.”
In a post-match video call with team captain Rasheedat Ajibade and other players following their dramatic 3-2 win over host nation Morocco in Rabat, President Tinubu hailed the team’s resilience, unity, and display of the indomitable Nigerian spirit.
“I am very, very proud of you. The entire nation is proud of you. You have lifted our spirits. You are a pride to your generation, and we are all very happy”, President Tinubu said during the call.
The President extended his heartfelt congratulations to the entire coaching crew, the team’s management, and accompanying government officials, whom he commended for their support throughout the tournament.
Ajibade, who was named the Most Valuable Player and Woman of the Tournament, received special praise from the President.
“You will be celebrated,” he said, acknowledging her exceptional performance and leadership on the field.
President Tinubu also lauded Esther Okoronkwo’s composure under pressure, singling out her 64th-minute penalty that initiated Nigeria’s comeback, describing it as “very courageous.”
Okoronkwo later assisted the equaliser and delivered the decisive free-kick that led to Jennifer Echegini’s match-winning goal.
Addressing the players with warmth and gratitude, the President said, “safe journey home, enjoy yourselves, avoid injuries, God bless you,” prompting cheers and repeated chants of “thank you, Mr President!” from the players and officials.
Captain Ajibade, speaking on behalf of the team, thanked President Tinubu for his support, particularly for the timely approval of their allowances.
“Thank you, Mr President. We can’t wait to present the trophy to you in Abuja,” she said.
The video call ended on a patriotic note, as the players delivered a rousing rendition of the national anthem, followed by three hearty “Gbosa!” cheers for the President.
Nigeria’s latest WAFCON triumph marks their record-extending 10th continental title, reaffirming the Super Falcons’ dominance in African women’s football and bringing joy to millions of Nigerians.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has congratulated the Super Falcons on their historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, praising the team for their consistency, strength, and role in lifting the pride of the nation.
In a celebratory message on Saturday following the team’s 3-2 victory over hosts Morocco in the final played in Rabat, the First Lady described the landmark achievement as “remarkable and commendable,” highlighting its significance beyond football.
“I celebrate you, our beautiful and lovely Super Falcons, for the landmark victory of your 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations championship,” she said.
According to the First Lady, the victory goes beyond another trophy in the cabinet, saying, “It is not just another trophy; it is a testament to your hard work, consistency, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit. We thank God for this sweet victory.”
Senator Tinubu praised the team for once again raising Nigeria’s banner high and reaffirming their status as the undisputed queens of African football.
“You have once again lifted the pride of our dear nation, Nigeria, and cemented your place as Queens of African football,” she declared.
Speaking on behalf of Nigerian women and the broader citizenry, the First Lady expressed heartfelt gratitude to the players and coaching crew for their inspiration and national service.
“On behalf of Nigerian women and the entire nation, I thank you for making us proud. You have written your names in gold and inspired millions across the continent,” she said.
“Congratulations, Super Falcons! I celebrate you. Nigeria celebrates you,” the First Lady concluded.
Nigeria staged an extraordinary second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 and lift their 10th TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown at the Stade Olympique in Rabat on Saturday night.
Trailing 2-0 at half-time in front of a partisan Moroccan crowd, the Super Falcons showed their pedigree and resilience, clawing their way back into the match with a display of clinical finishing and sheer determination to cement their status as queens of African football.
Goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and a late winner by Joe Echegini overturned Morocco’s strong first-half lead, stunning the Atlas Lionesses, who were hoping to clinch their first-ever continental title on home soil.
The final had all the ingredients of a classic: a host nation looking to crown a golden generation with history, and Africa’s most successful women’s side eager to reaffirm their dominance.
Morocco got off to a dream start. With just 12 minutes on the clock, captain Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring with a brilliant strike from outside the box, curling the ball low past Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The home crowd erupted, sensing history in the making.
Things got even better for the Atlas Lionesses in the 24th minute when Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled Morocco’s lead.
A slick pass from Ibtissam Jraidi found Mssoudy in space, and the forward made no mistake with a composed finish into the bottom right corner.
Nigeria appeared stunned and went into the break trailing by two goals, facing an uphill battle. But coach Justin Madugu’s half-time talk sparked a spirited response from the Super Falcons.
The comeback began just after the hour mark when a VAR review handed Nigeria a lifeline.
A handball by Nouhaila Benzina resulted in a penalty, which was coolly dispatched by Okoronkwo to make it 2-1.
From that moment, momentum swung Nigeria’s way. In the 71st minute, Okoronkwo turned provider, slipping a neat ball into the path of Ijamilusi, who drilled a left-footed effort into the bottom corner to bring Nigeria level.
With the match heading towards extra time, Nigeria found the winner.
A well-worked set-piece situation saw Esther Okoronkwo once again involved, delivering a clever assist to Joe Echegini, who calmly slotted home in the 88th minute to seal a dramatic turnaround.
Despite late pressure and a flurry of Moroccan attacks, the Super Falcons held firm through a tense final few minutes of stoppage time.
But the night belonged to the Super Falcons, whose experience, depth, and never-say-die spirit propelled them to yet another African title — their 10th in 13 editions.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dispatched a high-level presidential delegation to Rabat, Morocco, to cheer on the Super Falcons as they face the host nation in the final match of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The President said the move reflects the full support of the Federal Government and the Nigeria for the national women’s football team, who are seeking a record tenth continental title.
In a personal message addressed to the team ahead of Saturday’ night’s final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Tinubu praised the Falcons for their inspiring performance throughout the tournament, describing them as symbols of national pride and resilience.
“Tonight, you stand at the cusp of history as you face the host nation, Morocco. Your performance at this tournament over the past three weeks has been awe-inspiring. You have represented our country with pride, honour, and strength,” the President said.
Tinubu highlighted the team’s sportsmanship and humanity, referencing the Falcons’ visit to Gabriela Salgado of South Africa’s Banyana Banyana after the semi-final clash.
“That simple act of compassion reflects our shared humanity, empathy, and sisterly affection, which we Africans hold in high regard,” he noted.
Lauding the Falcons’ unbeaten run in the group stage and their dominant journey through the knockout rounds, the President declared that “if statistics alone win matches, you are already champions.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering backing for the team, noting that “on behalf of a grateful nation, we are rooting for you and praying for your resounding success tonight, as you strive to achieve the crowning accomplishment of lifting a record tenth continental title.”
The President’s delegation to Rabat includes Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, among others.
Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the team’s families, coaches, supporters, and the Nigerian community in Morocco for their support throughout the tournament.
“You will finish strong by the Grace of God. Go for the tenth! Bring the trophy home. Your fellow countrymen and women, young and old, are rooting for you,” he urged.
The President concluded with anticipation, saying he looks forward to receiving the team, the trophy, and the officials in Abuja.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has urged the Super Falcons to give their all and bring home the trophy as they prepare to face Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The highly anticipated clash will take place tonight (Saturday) at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, with Justine Madugu’s side aiming for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
In a goodwill message via the Super Falcons’ official X account, Tinubu congratulated the team for reaching the final and praised their performance throughout the tournament.
“My beautiful and lovely Super Falcons, I congratulate you, and the officials for the qualification for the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations,” the First Lady stated.
“I commend your team spirit, determination, and professionalism demonstrated in all your matches so far. You are shining examples to girls in Nigeria, and Africa.”
“As you step out for the final match, I pray God crowns your efforts with resounding victory. Make us proud, our worthy ambassadors and champions. Nigerians, and I are waiting to receive you with a trophy in your hands.”
Ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final, Nigeria’s head coach Justin Madugu has expressed unwavering confidence in the Super Falcons’ ability to rise to the occasion.
The Super Falcons, chasing a record-extending 10th title, face host nation Morocco in a pulsating finale set to unfold on Saturday night at the Stade Olympique in Rabat. Kick-off is 9:00 pm local time.
For Morocco, it is a golden opportunity to win their maiden WAFCON crown in front of a raucous home crowd.
Madugu exuded calm and assurance ahead of the showdown. He believes his squad has the mental strength and discipline to thrive under pressure, despite the inevitable noise that comes with playing against the host nation.
“They (Falcons) are very focused. They know the purpose of which we are here. They know why we are here,” Madugu said at the pre-match press conference.
“They have not allowed anything to distract them. They are getting focused. They are remaining focused.”
Having led the Super Falcons through a challenging tournament, which included a nerve-wracking semi-final win over defending champions South Africa, Madugu praised his players’ unity and maturity.
“And you can see it’s also telling in the way they perform on the field of play. Even when things don’t go their way, they have a way of getting themselves together and encouraging each other, and motivating each other,” he added.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the full disbursement of all bonuses and allowances due to the Super Falcons.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), confirmed the development, noting that payments to players and officials have already been authorized and released without delay.
According to Dikko, the move reflects the Tinubu administration’s renewed dedication to the welfare and motivation of Nigerian athletes.
The stage is set in Rabat for an electric grand finale to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as record nine-time champions, Nigeria, battle the hosts, the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco, in a clash steeped in history, redemption, and the hunger for glory for both nations, writes TUNDE LIADI.
For the Super Falcons, the memories of a painful semi-final exit in 2022 at the hands of Morocco still sting — a game that saw them battle bravely with nine players, only to fall short in a dramatic penalty shootout.
As such, there would be no quarters tomorrow as none would be asked and none would be given out when the Nigerian and Moroccan lasses battle for glory and gong at the iconic Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
There are cup finals but this 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is indeed special for obvious reasons. While the hosts are looking for their dreamed first title following their adroit investments on women’s football over the past five years, the storied West African juggernauts are on a mission for a record-extending 10th continental thus their Mission X mantra.
As such, this final is a rematch of the dramatic 2022 semi-final, where Morocco stunned Nigeria on penalties to reach their first-ever WAFCON final.
But for Super Falcons’ towering defender, Ashleigh Plumptre, this is not just a match; it’s a chance to make things right with the trophy on the line.
“We gave it all in 2022 and even when we were down to nine players, we still fought together like a team,” Plumptre, the 27-year-old hard tacking Al-Ittihad defender , said after Nigeria’s hard fought 2-1 victory over South Africa in the semi -finals on Tuesday in Casablanca.
“I would really like to play against them again based on what happened to us the last time,” she added with a déjà vu feeling.
Incidentally, the Moroccans have since grown from ‘rookies to serious title contenders’ over the last few years hence it would be foolhardy to handle them with kid gloves in this winner-take-all encounter.
“When Morocco embarked on an intentional Women’s Football Strategy five years ago, winning major trophies was part of the plan. And ahead of this weekend’s final, it is not a surprise to any Moroccan that the team is standing up tall against the best teams in Africa,” posited Editors of CAFOnline. “Prior to the 2022 edition, Morocco had made two appearances at the continent’s biggest showpiece amassing a win and a draw in two editions – in 1998 and 2000 while conceding 22 goals and scoring five.
“In their third appearance – this time at home in front of their fans, they went to the final but fell to a very well-oiled South African side 1-2.
“They are back now – bigger, stronger and ready to fight again and give something to their fans who have filled the Olympic Stadium to the brim every match day in Rabat.”
But they would be up against a strong-willed Nigerian side with a renewed focus of not only seeking a revenge against the North African hopefuls but validation of their pedigree
“I believe this will be more or less a revenge match for the Super Falcons against Morocco,” former Super Falcons’ captain, Desire Oparanozie, stated matter-of-factly. “I know they will not disappoint on Saturday.”
Indeed, the Super Falcons have all the records in their favour. Apart from not losing all their past nine finals, their experience on the continental stage is unmatched: nine WAFCON titles, nine FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances and four Olympic Games campaigns.
Those enviable records notwithstanding, Super Falcons Head coach Justine Madugu admitted that his side has not come this far at the 13th WAFCON to think of anything but reclaiming the trophy they have won a total of nine times out of the previous 12 championships.
“We thank God for making it to the final,” Madugu said in a Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) release after his side dispatched defending champions, South Africa.“ I want to assure you that we are not going to relent or take our eyes off the ball. Our focus is on lifting the trophy in Rabat on Saturday.
“We knew South Africa, as Cup holders, would be difficult but we were ready for them. I am glad that our tactics paid off.
“As I said before the tournament, we will always assess the opposition first and then determine what tactics would suit us better and serve our purpose. We have done these in our previous five games and we will do the same in the final.”
By the way, this is the second time in 17 months that Nigeria will confront the host nation in a major continental final (the Super Eagles faced hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the men’s AFCON in Abidjan in February 2024), with South Africa as the stepping stone in the previous hurdle.
But rising star Jennifer Echegini who plays at the home of European Champions, Paris Saint –Germain, has further emphasized the Super Falcons’ clarity and focus ahead of the final showdown with Morocco in Rabat :“We are not under pressure. We are professionals and we are planning for the game with positive energies.”
Forward Esther Okoronkwo, making her WAFCON debut, echoed the same sentiment :“There will be pressure but the main objective is not to get distracted by the noise outside the dressing room… We are winning and bringing the cup back to Nigeria.”
Okoronkwo, who started the tournament on the bench, now symbolizes the team’s resilience and depth having gone back to reclaim her starting shirt and has impressed thus far.
“The beginning was a little mental toughness for me, I am happy where we are as a team,” added the 28-year-old AFC Toronto forward.
This final would undoubtedly be a special one for the Super Falcons’ inspirational captain Rasheedat Ajibade who was shown the red card in that unforgettable semi-final loss to Morocco in 2022.
Ahead of the kick-off of this tournament, Ajibade had given a hint of what lies ahead of the Super Falcons at a webinar organised by the Confederation of African Football.
“For us, effort is everything. We’ll demonstrate what we’re capable of and continue to build on our existing strengths. We have an incredible group of talented players. We’re all excited to be here. We know it won’t be easy but we’re committed to showing up as our best selves,” noted Ajibade who has notched three Player of the Match at 2024 WAFCON.
For the Moroccans, there is a huge expectations though after reaching the WAFCON the final again on home soil for the second consecutive editions at the expense of Ghana’s Black Queens on Tuesday night.
The Atlas Lionesses are no longer underdogs and Sakina Ouzraoui Diki, their semi-final hero, epitomizes their ambition ahead of the final tie with the Super Falcons:
“This trophy is for the team… I am proud of my family. They push me forward a lot.”
Morocco’s Coach Jorge Vilda, the former Spain boss who led La Roja to a World Cup title before taking over the Atlas Lionesses, praised the team’s unity: “The Ghanaian team were physical, but we played collectively and eventually won.”
With rising talents and a home crowd behind them, Morocco will not just be out to defend pride — they’ll want to win their first WAFCON title.
Both teams bring their own stories, scars, and dreams into this final. For Nigeria, it’s a shot at legacy. For Morocco, it’s a chance to make history. South Africa coach Desirée Ellis, after her team fell to the Super Falcons has tipped Nigeria as the new champions-in-waiting :“A big ups to Nigeria. They also kept going and good luck to them in the final.”
As these two teams collide, we are set for a captivating showdown of tradition versus innovation, wisdom versus vigour. Will the Super falcons draw on their storied experience to outsmart their opponents, or will the Atlas Lionesses unleash their creative brilliance to secure their first major trophy?
With both teams ready to leave everything on the pitch, the stage is set for a match that promises to be filled with drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments.
So, without further ado, all eyes will turn to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat tomorrow’s night for what should be an epic finale to a well-organised tournament.
The Super Falcons had a feel of their new training pitch yesterday in Rabat, preparatory to the Women Africa Cup Of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 final in Morocco.
The Nigerian ladies arrived in Rabat on Wednesday, a day after beating South Africa’s Banyana Banyana 2-1 in the Semifinal to progress to the competition’s grand finale ahead of tough fixture against the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco.
The first 15 minutes of coach Justin Madugu’s Falcons’ training yesterday was opened to the media.
The nine-time champions will hold a closed door session at the same venue today before WAFCON 2024 final against the hosts at the Olympic Stadium, Rabat tomorrow.
Before the final, Ghana who lost to Morocco in the second semi-final, will tackle dethroned South Africa in the bronze medal game scheduled for today in Casablanca.
Super Falcons Head Coach , Justin Madugu, has expressed relief following Nigeria’s hard-fought victory over South Africa in the semi-final clash of the WAFCON 2024 in Morocco.
The Super Falcons on Tuesday in Casablanca earned a 2-1 win over the Banyana Banyana to zoom to their 10th final in the women’s continental showpiece.
Speaking after the game, Madugu admitted that certain incidents during the match particularly injuries had a psychological effect on the players, but praised their professionalism and ability to stay focused despite the challenges.
“Sometimes, when players witnessed injuries or situations like that on the pitch, it can affect them mentally,” Madugu explained. “But they knew they had a job to do. They managed to compose themselves and get back into the game. That’s the hallmark of true professionals,” he said. “In football, such moments happen you lose focus, lose possession but what matters is how quickly you recover.
Senator Victor Umeh and Abdul Ningi on Wednesday lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for earmarking the sum of $3billion for the revitalisation of the Eastern rail line project and supporting the Super Falcons to win their semi-final match in the ongoing Women’s African Cup of Nations encounter, respectively.
The $3billion for the revitalisation of the Eastern rail line is contained in the $21billion 2025 – 2026 external borrowing plan of the federal government approved by the Senate on Tuesday.
Umeh and Ningi spoke during plenary through a point of order.
Umeh said, “I recall that 36 Senators from the South East moved a motion concerning the urgent need to reconstruct the Eastern rail line. The day the budget was to be passed, during the close of session, I raised the same issue that the eastern rail line was not accommodated in the 2025 budget.
“You magnanimously approved that I should raise it when we reverted to plenary, that even though it was for the budget to be passed, which will not allow for any debate, they would like me to raise the same issue.
“I did during the plenary by magnanimity, and you promised that there was merit in that agitation or in that observation. You promised that you would take it up with Mr. President, along with the leadership, so that this eastern rail line will be addressed once and for all.
“I was just so happy, Mr. President, that when the request for $21 billion loan was submitted to the Senate, the eastern rail line was now accommodated and the sum of $3billion was provided for the reconstruction of the eastern rail line, and yesterday, the Senate, during the session, approved the request. It now paves the way for that eastern rail line to be reconstructed.
“I feel so happy about this because I’ve always conversed here that anything we should do in Nigeria, we should carry all parts of Nigeria along. This eastern rail line, which now has the prospect of being reconstructed, will be a very good development, particularly in line with the sentiments of the people of the southeast zone.
“So on this note, I want to thank Mr. President, who has promised that he will do this.
“During his visit to the southeast on January 4th, our stakeholders raised the same issue with him, and he promised that he would address it.
“So in keeping with this promise, this cry of the people of this zone, and indeed all the users of the eastern rail corridor, starting from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, including Bauchi, everywhere, they are now happy that this is going to be done.
“So on this note, I thank Mr. President, and also thank you, Mr. Senate President, for joining me in leading this struggle on behalf of the people using this corridor.”
In his response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said: Senator Umeh, you appreciated the efforts of Mr. President, and I thank you for thanking him. I’m particularly happy that this is coming from you, because sometimes when I look at television, I see some incoming members of the ADC (African Democratic Congress), and I know that I saw you attending the meeting once or twice.
“So if ADC is already appreciating the work of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it shows that Nigeria has come of age where good works have no political boundaries.
“So, on behalf of the entire Senate, I appreciate you. I appreciate your members of the ADC who are appreciating the President. I’m very excited about the President, and of course, we in the APC we’re equally happy with the President and what he’s doing. So I’ll convey your message of thanks to him.”
Also citing order 42 on personal explanation, Senator Abdul Ningi commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for supporting the Nigerian female team to win against their South African counterparts in the semifinal of the Women’s African Cup of Nations yesterday.
Ningi said, “Mr. President, I discussed with you this morning about the superlative performance of Nigeria in yesterday’s semi-final match against the Bayana Bayana of South Africa.
“Mr. President, after doom and gloom over the deaths of three prominent Nigerians, beginning with the late General Muhammadu Buhari, the late Dantata, and the late Oba Adetona, this performance of these brilliant girls from Nigeria has spiced our lives, have sweetened our lives.
“They have brought almost all Nigerians on the same pedestal. Therefore, it is my duty as the Chairman of Sports to most profoundly thank the government of the day, the president of the country, for equipping the girls and giving them the wherewithal in terms of funding to be able to perform this feat.
“It is important at this juncture to ask for the prayers of Nigeria as these girls are gunning for the 10th title in Africa. They are the most indomitable team, and therefore, they have not had mates so far. We have tried since 2019 to recapture the African Championship, but we have failed in this fight for the last nine years.
“I think Saturday would be an opportunity for the girls to capture this 10th title in Africa, which is very unprecedented.
“Mr. President, I will use this opportunity to call for prayers for these girls because they have exhibited an uncommon attitude. They have exhibited an uncommon discipline, especially at this time. Nigeria needs that trophy to be able to bring us together as a country that we’re all proud of.”
Akpabio, in his response, said, “Let me join you, Senator Ningi, to congratulate our girls for the best, very stimulating performance that led to their qualifying for the finals of the African Women’s Championship in football.
“Indeed, it was one of the very rare moments that I watched football. I was very excited because you know how it is with international competitions. People don’t want to give Nigeria a chance.
“So when that golden goal came from outside the 18, and there was a lot of confusion, the goal just went on its own, guided by the angels. I was very excited. Indeed, both the Nigerian team and the South African team were confused.
“And this is happening under you as Chairman of Sports. You were determined, and you told me that you were, for many years, in charge of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria, and that your passion for sports would change the dynamics of sports in Nigeria. So this is already happening. So I must congratulate you. Thank you so much and congratulations to Nigerians.”
