Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has praised the Super Falcons for their spirited display despite their defeat to hosts Morocco in the Semifinals of the African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON).
The Falcons lost 5-4 on penalties to the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco after a 1-1 full-time scoreline, with Halimatu Ayinde and Rasheedat Ajibade shown red cards in the second half.
While praising the Super Falcons, Hon. Dare said: “your resilience, character, and management of the game must be commended. I salute your doggedness, commitment, and fighting spirit.
“For holding the Moroccans in front of over 45,000 capacity crowd you have once again displayed the never say die attitude of a true Nigerian.
“Even when down to nine players after those red cards, you held your own. You are our champions. Nigeria is proud of you.
“It was a match I followed very keenly and I am so proud you displayed the Nigerian spirit. I am proud of this team, even in defeat.”
The Super Falcons bowed out with pride, but they were able to book their place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals which will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The Super Falcons will play their third-place match against the She-polopolo of Zambia on Friday, July 22nd.
