By: Chinedum Ohanusi
The National Association for Women In Sports (NAWIS)
has joined well-meaning Nigerians in felicitating with, the players of the nation’s senior women’s football team, the Super Falcons, on winning a historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco, a feat that ensured that they successfully accomplished “Mission X”.
The congratulatory message contained in a statement released by spokesperson of the association, Comrade Oluwafunmmike Kanjuni to the media in Abuja, quotes the NAWIS President, Professor Adefunke Mariam Suleiman as reserving special praise for the team.
“The hard-fought victory, tenacity of coming from two goals down, and epoch history-making of claiming a record tenth African title, are sterling qualities of true champions, and a clear indication that you are unrivaled in Africa, and certainly ranks amongst the very best globally”.
The message also quotes Professor Emeritus Professor Bola Adeyanju, the founder of NAWIS, an umbrella body of the nation’s former and active Sports women, that sees to the advancement of the welfare and well-being of women in Sports; as being exceptionally thrilled that the Super Falcons accomplished their goal of winning a record-extending 10th AWCON title.
“The dramatic victory over the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco, underlines the determination, skill, and teamwork, and unrelenting never say die spirit Nigeria’s are known for. Your sacrifices and hard work have paid off, and you’re now one step closer to achieving greatness, at the global stage; well-done, girls! You’ve made us and indeed the whole nation proud”, Professor Adeyanju aasserted.
While urging the players, and coaching crew of the team to keep soaring higher, NAWIS also called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) hierarchy, to continue to invest more in women’s football, starting from the grassroots, to the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL).
Professor Suleiman added that by churning out more talents, nurturing them, and giving them the right exposure, will help in throwing up ready replacements for aging players, while sustaining Nigeria’s implicit dominance of the women’s game, on the continent, in all facets.
“While we celebrate these heroines for braving the odds in far away Morocco, to bring glory to Nigeria and Nigerian football; we would like to show appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), the leaderships of the National Sports Commission (NSC), and NFF for ensuring the timely release of funds, and the prompt disbursement of same, to the players, and coaches.
The financial windfall was also extended to Nigeria’s Senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, who are currently seeking a record 5th consecutive FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title, in Côte d’Ivoire”.
Nigeria as defending champions, will play their second Group D fixture, against Mozambique starting from 5pm today, in Trechville; having smacked Rwanda 92-45 baskets, in their opener on Saturday.
