President Bola Tinubu on Monday confessed he did not want to watch the final match of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) between Nigeria and Morocco last Saturday.
The Super Falcons came from two goals behind to defeat Morocco in Rabat and claimed the record 10th WAFCON title.
Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy put Morocco ahead with a two-goal lead by halftime, but the Super Falcons mounted a spirited comeback as Esther Okoronkwo, Florence Ijamilusi, and Echegini found the net to secure a well-deserved victory.
Jennifer Echegini emerged as the hero of the night after scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute, capping off a spirited second-half comeback by Justine Madugu’s side.
It was almost a dashed hope for the Falcons by the end of first half. However, the Nigerian side raised their game in the second half, forcing the hosts onto the back foot and upping the tempo further with the introduction of Rinsola Babajide and Echegini on the hour mark.
Speaking during the reception organised for the team at the State House, Tinubu said he was offended and restless when the Falcons were trailing by two goals down.
But the president said he there watching the resilience of the team,
“Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I don’t want high blood pressure, but our people came in and tuned my TV to that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless, but I was there watching the resilience of the team,” he said.
Tinubu announced generous rewards for the victorious team, declaring that each member of the Super Falcons will receive a three-bedroom flat in the renewed hope estate.
In addition, every player is to be awarded $100,000 (approximately N153 million) in cash, along with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
The president also revealed that the 11-man technical crew supporting the Super Falcons will each receive $50,000 (around N75.6 million) as a cash reward in appreciation of their contributions.
Further support came from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, which separately announced a reward of N10 million for each player.
