The countdown to the 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals has begun, and the wife of President and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic, Distinguished Senator (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu CON, has given the Senior Women’s National Team of Nigeria a powerful challenge. Speaking at a Send-Forth dinner held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, Senator Tinubu urged the team to bring together their efforts, talents, and skills to dominate the tournament, which will take place in Australia and New Zealand in just 18 days.
Addressing the team, Senator Tinubu said, “You are the shining star and pride of Africa. I charge you to go all out and do your very best to dominate other teams and become the pride of the entire world.” The senator’s speech was read on her behalf by Dr. Betta Edu, the APC National Women Leader.
Senator Tinubu also acknowledged the team’s impressive track record, stating, “I am proud to note that our Super Falcons have remained in that mix of the very best globally in the world of football. They have featured in every single edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals since the competition started in 1991, and our country is also one of only seven countries worldwide to have done so.”
While the Super Falcons made it to the quarter-finals in 1999 and reached the second round in the last championship in France, Senator Tinubu emphasized the nation’s expectations for a much better performance in the upcoming tournament. “Our expectations as a nation and as a people are for a much better performance at what is certainly the biggest and best championship yet, in Australia and New Zealand starting from 20 July,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, advised the team to work as a cohesive unit to achieve greater results. Additionally, President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, expressed confidence in the team’s winning mentality, highlighting their recent three-match winning streak.
To adequately prepare for the tournament, the NFF spared no cost, organizing tournaments and matches in Japan, Mexico, and Turkey. The team will also undergo a 15-day training camp in Australia before the competition begins. The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, shared his confidence in the team, stating that he would attend the quarter-final and semi-final matches if the Falcons make it to those stages.
The NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, urged the Falcons to prioritize good character on and off the field of play at the finals, emphasizing the importance of upholding the integrity of the sport. Team captain Onome Ebi, speaking on behalf of the players, expressed their determination to not only participate in the competition but also break records and surpass their previous outing, where they reached the Round of 16.
The Send-Forth dinner was attended by various dignitaries, including representatives of the Accountant General of the Federation, NFF partners and sponsors, members of the diplomatic corps, business moguls, NFF management and staff, members of the Supporters Club, and other football stakeholders. The team was also treated to a celebration dinner hosted by the Australian High Commission in Nigeria, highlighting the anticipation and support for the Super Falcons’ journey to conquer the world in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
