Tinubu dispatches special delegation to Morocco to back Super Falcons in WAFCON final

As the Super Falcons gear up for their decisive clash against Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), President Bola Tinubu has dispatched a presidential delegation to lend support to the team in Rabat.

The much-anticipated match is scheduled to take place Saturday night at the Olympic Stadium in the Moroccan capital, where Nigeria’s national women’s team will square off against the host nation in pursuit of a record-extending tenth title.

In a statement released on Saturday and signed personally by the President, Tinubu praised the Super Falcons for their spirited showing throughout the tournament and called on them to secure victory for the nation.

His message reads in part: “My beloved Super Falcons,Tonight, you stand at the cusp of history as you face the host nation, Morocco, in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.Your performance at this tournament over the past three weeks has been awe-inspiring. You have represented our country with pride, honour, and strength.In the pitch and off the pitch, you have demonstrated true sportsmanship.”

The President also applauded the team for a compassionate gesture following their semi-final victory over South Africa.

“I was delighted to see photographs of your visit to the injured Gabriela Salgado of South Africa’s Banyana Banyana following the semi-final match,” he said. “That simple act of compassion reflects our shared humanity, empathy, and sisterly affection, which we Africans hold in high regard.”

Reflecting on the team’s unbeaten run and dominance in the competition, Tinubu expressed confidence in their ability to clinch the trophy.

“If statistics alone win matches, you are already champions. Unbeaten in the group stages, victorious in the knockout rounds, and conceding only a goal in the semi-finals. Apart from this, you have emerged triumphant in all your previous nine finals.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.”

President Tinubu added that the special delegation sent to Rabat would serve as a visible show of national support.

“I have sent a presidential delegation to attend the final in Rabat to convey the full support of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to cheer you on to victory.”

He also extended appreciation to those who have supported the team throughout the competition.

“I thank the families of the Super Falcons team, coaches, friends, the Nigerian Community in Morocco, the Nigeria Football Supporters Club and the Nigerian Mission in Morocco for their steady support throughout this competition.”

Tinubu encouraged the team to finish strong and bring the trophy back home.

“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.I look forward to receiving the team, the trophy, and the officials in Abuja.”