KEMI OMONIYI
ABUJA, Nigeria – The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has praised the Super Falcons for their superb performance in their match against the England team.
Senator Tinubu said she is very proud of the girls, who she said played their hearts out in the Round of 16 encounter of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The First Lady, who watched the match with the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, and the wife of Senate President, Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, described the match as a tension-soaked encounter, saying the Nigerian girls were no push overs.
She said the only thing the England side had going for them was simply luck, emphasizing that she is indeed very proud of the performance of the Super Falcons.
The First Lady said she would be waiting to receive them as true heroes on their return home.
The Super Falcons lost 4-2 on penalties to their England counterparts after the completion of regulation time and extra time at the ongoing FIFA Women World Cup Tournament.
In a related development, the First Lady also hosted the D’tigress, the four times African Champions of the Afrobasket tournament to a reception at the State House, Abuja.
In her speech, the First Lady described their performance on the basketball court as a testament to hard work, discipline, and commitment to excellence, noting that it will help to inspire countless individuals especially women, to pursue their dreams.
“Your victory transcends sports, symbolizing the potential that can be realized when a diverse group of individuals come together with a common goal.
“I am immensely proud of your achievements and the positive image you have projected for our country. Your success reinforces the fact that Nigerian women are capable of reaching the highest level in any endeavour they choose to undertake.”
In his remarks at the reception, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar thanked the First Lady for hosting the team.
He assured that they would return to the drawing board to prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games with victory on their mind.
The captain of the team, then presented the coveted FIBA Women’s Afrobasket trophy to the First Lady, wife of the Vice President, and wife of the Senate President.
The officials of the Basketball Federation also presented a medal and jersey to the First lady.
