In a heartfelt gesture of appreciation, President Bola Tinubu has lauded the Super Falcons for their commendable performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The president’s commendation came via his verified Twitter handle on Monday, where he expressed pride in the team’s brilliant display on the global stage, despite the outcome.
He wrote, “I must commend the effort by our Super 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 Super Falcons’ journey in the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup came to an end after a gripping match against the formidable Lionesses of England.
In a thrilling encounter that kept fans at the edge of their seats, the Nigerian team faced the European champions head-on, with an intense battle that ended in a goalless draw at the end of extra time.
The tension escalated further as England was reduced to ten players in the 87th minute, following a red card for their playmaker, Lauren James, due to a needless stamp on an opponent. The subsequent penalty shootout became a nerve-wracking affair, with both teams determined to secure their place in the semi-finals.
England began the penalty shootout on an unfavorable note as Georgia Stanway fired wide. However, Nigeria couldn’t capitalize on this early advantage, as Desire Oparanozie missed with an almost identical effort. Beth England then stepped up and converted her penalty flawlessly, putting England in the lead.
Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie’s shot, unfortunately, soared over the crossbar, further cementing England’s advantage in the shootout. Finally, Chloe Kelly kept her nerves in check and calmly converted her penalty, sealing the victory for the Lionesses.
The Lionesses, who were last year’s European Championship winners at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London, were expected to secure a comfortable win against Nigeria, who holds the 40th position in the world rankings.
However, the Nigerian team demonstrated their potential to challenge any opponent, leaving the world in awe of their performance throughout the World Cup.
In the group stage, the Super Falcons pulled off a stunning upset against hosts Australia, showcasing their speed and tactical acumen in transition, resulting in a thrilling 3-2 victory.
As the FIFA Women’s World Cup progresses, England’s journey continues with a semifinal clash against either Colombia or Jamaica on Saturday. With the European crown already under their belt, the Lionesses are keen on adding the prestigious World Cup trophy to their accolades. Nevertheless, they are well aware of the challenges they might face, and improvements will be crucial in their pursuit of glory.
President Bola Tinubu’s commendation serves as a source of pride and encouragement for the Super Falcons, who have undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the global stage, exemplifying the talent and dedication of Nigerian women in sports.
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