Super Falcon's Triumph: A Golden Chapter in Nigeria's Legacy of National Pride

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By John Ollor Obe 

From the spirited streets of Lagos to the serene corners of Zuru, the victory of Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has become far more than a sporting accomplishment — it is now etched as a shining moment of national pride, unity, and legacy.

In a celebration that reflected the soul of a grateful nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred national honours on the entire 24-member squad and their 11-man technical team, recognising their historic 10th WAFCON title win as a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey as a people bound by hope, resilience, and shared dreams. Each player and official received the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) title, alongside the promise of a three-bedroom apartment under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme and a generous cash reward of $100,000 for players and $50,000 for technical staff.

"This is not just a trophy," President Tinubu declared to a jubilant crowd. "It is a statement — that Nigeria rises when her daughters rise. Your victory is the light this nation needed, and you have inspired millions, not just as athletes, but as living symbols of hope."


Indeed, in a nation where the threads of identity are stitched by countless tongues, cultures, and histories, the Super Falcons have reminded us that unity can be found in the rhythm of a game, the bounce of a ball, and the roar of a goal.

The President, speaking with rare candour and humour, recounted how the match tested even his nerves. "I didn’t want high blood pressure. But as I watched, I saw a team that refused to break — and in that, I saw Nigeria itself," he said. Even the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, abandoned the kitchen to cheer — a gesture that underscored the power of women uplifting women.

Beyond medals and applause, this recognition carries the weight of legacy. It affirms that the story of Nigeria is not only told through speeches or politics, but also through the feats of our daughters on foreign soil, challenging stereotypes and reimagining the boundaries of what is possible.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, captured the nation's shared gratitude with a ₦10 million donation to each team member, echoing the federal honours and reinforcing a unified front of appreciation from all corners of the country.

For Rasheedat Ajibade, the team’s captain, the moment was deeply symbolic. “This victory belongs to every Nigerian girl who dares to dream. We didn’t just win — we showed what it means to be Nigerian,” she declared, standing tall as the embodiment of thousands of untold stories across Nigeria’s towns and villages.

The First Lady, with a mother’s pride and a stateswoman’s vision, hailed the team as role models. “You are more than champions — you are the blueprint of the Nigerian dream: confident, fearless, and full of fire,” she said, boldly predicting a World Cup victory on the horizon.

Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, emphasized the larger picture: “In 90 minutes, the Falcons united the nation in a way few things can. We were not Yoruba or Tiv, Igbo or Ijaw — we were Nigerians, with one heart and one dream.”

And that is the true story behind the medals and ceremonies. It is the rekindling of national pride — a legacy written in sweat, courage, and unyielding spirit. The Super Falcons are not just Africa’s champions; they are standard-bearers of a country determined to rise, again and again.

Their story now belongs in our national diary — not just as a tale from the pitch, but as a defining moment when Nigeria remembered its greatness through the voices and victories of its women.

— Prime Heritage Magazine

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