”Your success is our success. Congratulations!,” Senate President Bukola Saraki, on Monday, lauded the Super Falcons for lifting the 2019 WAFU Cup ”following their soul-lifting display in the finals of the game last Saturday in Abidjan.”
Nigeria are 2019 Wafu Women’s Cup champions after defeating Cote d’Ivoire 5-4 via penalties, after a 1-1 draw at the Stade Robert Champroux stadium on Saturday.
The Super Falcons progress into the final following their triumph over 2018 winners Ghana via penalty shoot-out on Thursday.
The Ivorians, last year’s finalists, defeated Mali 2-1 in the second semi-final to secure a back-to-back final spot.
Cote d’Ivoire held on to the lead in the second half with the hopes of lifting the regional title on abode soil but Uchenna Kanu’s equaliser in the closing stages of the game put their celebrations on hold.
The tie forced both teams into penalty shoot-out where the Super Falcons took their turn to convert from the spot but a missed effort denied the hosts glory.
According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be the eighth edition of the competition.
The competition is for the women’s national teams of the member-associations of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and it will hold from June 7 to July 7 in France.
Saraki, said in a statement by Yusuph Olaniyonu, his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, in Abuja, “the country cannot but be proud about the patriotism and resilience of its female national team.”
He stated that “even though the victory came after a hard fight, the Super Falcons have once again re-enacted their dominance in the sub-region. Your courage, discipline, team spirit and above all, patriotism have brought joy and fulfillment to all football lovers across the country.”
Saraki added “You have done us proud by remaining a source of inspiration to the younger generation. You have amply demonstrated once again that any worthy goal is achievable if pursued with focus, zeal, commitment and organisation.”
While praising the coach, players, and technical crew for the exceptional feat, Saraki expressed hope that the WAFU Cup would ”spur the female national team, once again, to another dazzling performance during the forthcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup Championship in France.”
