Sports minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung has sent a thank-you message to the female national team, Super Falcons, for beating Cameroon in the semi-finals of this year’s Africa Women Cup of Nations in Ghana.
In the wake of the Falcons’ 4-2 Pyrrhic victory via penalties against the Indomitable Lionesses, Dalung said he is happy that the players and their coaches have put Nigeria back on the global scale of football.
Dalung noted that, since the AWCON 2018 final ticket means the Falcons have also qualified for the 2019 FIFA Women World Cup in France, the squad deserves accolades for making Nigerians proud.
Footballlive.ng reports further that Dalung, who is currently in Japan for a ‘Country Meeting’ with Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games organizers, further congratulated the Falcons for their hard fought victory in a nail biting tie.
He, however, charged the players and crew not to rest on their oars just yet, as they now have to seek redemption in the final on Saturday against South Africa, who beat Nigeria 1-0 in their first group match of the event.
Dalung added: “I am happy with the team and the technical crew for putting Nigeria on the global map once again with their qualification for the World Cup next year.
“The Super Falcons were determined and disciplined and qualified for the final through hard work, team work and their doggedness.
“The match went into extra time and penalties and that showed how difficult it was for the girls to achieve success.
“However, the final test comes on Saturday when they play the last and decisive game.
“They have won this competition a record eight times and I have no doubt that they will bring back the trophy to Nigeria for keeps.”
