Super Falcons players get honours from Nigerian state governors

Super Falcons players get honours from Nigerian state governors
Credit: Icon Sport

The Super Falcons of Nigeria are currently enjoying the goodwill of Nigerian political leaders after their great outing at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Nigeria women’s national football team went out of the tournament at the round of 16 stage. The Lionesses of England – who beat Australia on Wednesday to set up a final date with Spain on 20 August – defeated Nigeria on 7 August on penalties after a tense 0 – 0 draw.

As the Super Falcons relax in preparation to return to their clubs, they are now being honoured by the governors of their states of origin.

Imo, Osun among others celebrate Super Falcons players for brilliant FIFA Women’s World Cup outing

As a team made up of the best players from the 36 states of Nigeria and the diaspora, the Super Falcons is a national asset.

After a brilliant outing that saw them finish the group stages undefeated, they were unfortunate to fall in the round of 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. However, the country was proud of their achievements and many messages were sent their way in congratulations.

FIFA General Secretary Fatma Samoura, who is from Senegal, a West African country like Nigeria, went to the dressing room to congratulate the Nigerian team personally after their match with England. Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu also congratulated the Nigerian women’s national football team with a social media post.

A number of the Super Falcons players have also become internet sensations after their outing as well, most notably diasporans Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre.

More than a week after their departure from Brisbane, Australia, where their last two games in the showpiece took place, they have been received by the first lady of the country and by the political leaders of their various states of Origin.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State held a reception for star forward Rasheedat Ajibade and defender Rofiat Imuran. He rewarded them with cash gifts and other items for their contributions during the tournament.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who had previously rewarded the Super Falcons players from Imo State for their performance at the 2022 Women’s AFCON, rolled out the red carpets once again for them on Wednesday.

This time around, the Imo State contingent of the Super Falcons received ₦7.8 million each and a plot of land in the Imo State capital, Owerri.

Waldrum: Proud of Super Falcons despite defeat to England

Embattled Super Falcons manager, Randy Waldrum, took to his X account after the Australia vs England FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final match on Wednesday to praise his team for the outing they had.

Both Australia and England played an entertaining game that saw a lot of chances created. England would score three of theirs and Australia would lose a lot of theirs and find the back of the net once. The 3-1 results sent England to the final where they will face Spain for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup title.

Waldrum, who also works as a coach trainer in his home country of America, praised his team for defeating Australia and holding England to a draw in the tournament before they lost on penalties.

“Proud moment watching this England-Australia semi-final!” Waldrum wrote on his X account. ‘We beat Australia and tied England with the Super Falcons! What a tournament we had!”

This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago

Daniel Kolade
All-round lover of the beautiful game. Massive football fan, supported Arsenal for decades for reasons that are unexplainable. One day we will win the Champions League!
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