Super Falcons’ captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, has dedicated the team’s success at this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, all Nigerian citizens and young female footballers who are looking up to similar glory in their careers.
Sports247 reports that Ajibade made the dedication as well as many emotional pronouncements while giving her vote of thanks during a reception organised for the victorious team at The Presidential Villa in Abuja.
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Her speech came after President Tinubu announced cash awards of $100,000 as well as Order of the Niger (OON) awards and three-bedroom flats at New Hope Estate in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to the players, plus $50,000 for the coaches.
An ecstatic Ajibade stated in a very eloquent and philosophically strong prepared speech that she and her colleagues were proud of the opportunity to present the trophy to Tinubu, even as she labelled them symbols of ‘the resilient Nigerian spirit.’
The former Atletico Femenino of Spain attacker declared, “I stand before you not only as the captain of the Super Falcons but as a proud daughter of Nigeria, carrying in my veins the resilience and spirit of our brave nation.
“On behalf of my teammates, coaches and technical staff, we express joy with this warm reception. We appreciate the belief you have in us.”
The product of FC Robo Queens of Lagos went on to pinpoint all areas of support and motivation that spurred the Falcons to accomplish the iconic ‘Mission X’ project that was launched by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ahead of the competition, as a means of propelling the team towards a 10th WAFCON title.
Ajibade added, “From the Presidency, the Ministry of Sports, the Football Federation and every Nigerian who cheered us on at home and abroad. Thank you for being our strength, our inspiration and our hope.
“We could not have done this without the support from all of you. This win is for all of us. These achievements are not for us alone.
“They belong to every Nigerian who dares to believe that we can compete with the best and emerge victorious. This trophy is for you, Mr. President, for all Nigerians and the girl child who dares to believe in herself.”
She also buttressed her projections with an expression of hope that the Falcons’ WAFCON 2024 success will be an inspiration for up-and-coming young players, not only to emulate the feat but to surpass it.
“We are deeply honoured to bring home the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy. It’s our 10th WAFCON triumph, titled Mission X.
“This victory is not just a trophy. It’s a testament to the unyielding spirit of Nigerians. It’s also a celebration of every young girl in our villages and cities who dares to dream big,” Ajibade eulogised.
She added that the Falcons will now look up to achieving greater things on the global stage scale, but pointed out that they would need more support from the federal government and better facilities to pull off the next level of their desired achievements
