Celebration is in the air, and the Super Falcons are at the heart of this renewed national pride. For the past one week, the Nigerian women’s national team has been toasted across the country following their historic 10th WAFCON title, clinched after defeating hosts Morocco. Last Wednesday night in Lagos was no exception, as the champions were honoured once more, Vanessa Obioha writes.
It’s been a while since Nigerians have felt this proud and united over a football victory. In recent years, economic hardship has left many too weary to cheer. But last week, something shifted. Goosebumps returned, and fists pumped in the air. Our joy and pride were on full display. The Super Falcons gave us reason to smile again, and we embraced it with open arms.
The celebratory atmosphere was impossible to miss. Turn on the TV, they’re there. Tune into the radio, OAPs are singing their praises. Flip through the newspapers? No need to find the sports pages; the Falcons are everywhere from the front page to the back page. And social media? Ah, that celebration archive: memes, match clips, tributes, hashtags. Even if you lived under a rock, the joy would’ve found you.
If my memory serves me right, the last time Nigerians celebrated a football win this fervently was in 1996, when the Super Eagles clinched Olympic gold in Atlanta. I was a young girl then, but I still remember how the streets lit up that night. Men, women, young and old, poured into the streets, singing and dancing. That victory inspired a wave of music. Lagbaja, the masked griot, released Loko Iya Won (Owole) in honour of the dream team, while Tony One Week’s Gyrate became an anthem.
Maybe the Super Falcons will spark the same in today’s artists. In a way, the Super Falcons’ victory brings back the memories of the 1996 squad. Who could forget the iconic comeback of the dream team — as they were later christened — against Brazil in the semi-final?
The Brazilian team were leading 3-1 at halftime, but the Super Eagles pushed on, kicked every ball with purpose until they equalised at the last minute, thanks to the football legend Kanu Nwankwo. And with another hat-trick, Nwankwo was again able to deliver a golden goal in the 94th minute.
What about that final against Argentina, sealed by Emmanuel Amunike’s last-minute strike, crowning Nigeria the first African team to win Olympic gold?
Like the dream team, the Falcons had their own Mission X, and executed it, without the Hollywood actor Tom Cruise (known for the Mission Impossible franchise).
In the early stages of the tournament, few paid them much attention. The times were hard. With economic hardship mounting pressure on many households, who had time to follow football? But the Falcons pressed on, knowing they were playing for more than just a trophy; they were playing to uplift a nation.
So they pushed on, dribbling every foot till they got to the net. They soared past the group stage without conceding a goal, and when they met Zambia at the quarter-finals, they nearly spelt the country’s name with an impressive 5-0 win. In the semi-finals, a late goal from Michelle Alozie secured them a spot in the finals, beating South Africa 2-1.
As the finals neared, faith wavered like a pendulum for the Super Falcons. The odds were hardly in their favour. Morocco, the host, was poised for victory. And when the Atlas Lionesses led 2–0 by halftime, many feared the worst. But the Falcons weren’t done.
In the second-half, Coach Justine Madugu made bold changes, introducing PSG’s Jennifer Echegini and Roma’s Rinsola Babajide.
“We knew we could do it [win the match],” Madugu told the Guardian UK. “When we were two goals down, we kept encouraging the players not to lose their belief. If they didn’t have mental resilience, they would have given up. We did a lot of talking at half-time.”
“The first half goals were unfortunate,” added Esther Okoronkwo, who was voted the best player for the final. “It happens in football. When we went to the dressing room, we gathered the fighting spirit, because it was all or nothing … The Moroccan team has chemistry; they were a tough team.”
And fight they did.
Okoronkwo scored in the 64th minute. Seven minutes later, Folashade Ijamilusi levelled it. Then, in the 88th minute, Echegini struck gold — a comeback for the ages. Final score: 3–2. A record-breaking 10th title for Nigeria. Their previous triumphs were in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018. The team cried at their historic feat.
Not only did they emerge victorious, but four members of the team were in the CAF WAFCON 2024 Best XI. They are Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, Esther Okoronkwo, and tournament top scorer Rasheedat Ajibade.
The country erupted in joy.
On Monday night, President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu threw a grand reception at the State House. Each player was awarded $100,000, a three-bedroom apartment, and a national honour — Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). The 11-member technical crew received $50,000 each.
At the reception, Ajibade, gracious in victory, dedicated the trophy to Nigerians, the president and “every young child who believes and dreams to be on this stage someday.”
“As we celebrate this 10th WAFCON title, let it be a spark that ignites a new era for Nigeria’s women’s football. Let us unite as government, football federation, players, citizens and the diaspora in a shared vision to make the Super Falcons, not just Africa’s pride but world standard. Together we can achieve greatness that echoes for generations,” she concluded.
By Wednesday, July 30, the team arrived in Lagos for a trophy tour sponsored by Amstel Malta and Goldberg Lager Beer. From theairport, they went to Nigerian Breweries’ headquarters in Iganmu where they were honoured and given a N50 million cash prize. Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries, Thibaut Boidin also praised the players stating:
“We see it as a national moment; one that embodies excellence, resilience, teamwork, and pride. These are the values we champion, and it is our honour to celebrate this victory with you. As proud sponsors of the Super Falcons, we remain committed to supporting those who inspire, lead, and unite through the beautiful game.”
The players continued their tour from Iganmu to Falomo, ending at Eko Hotels and Suites where a reception party was held at Sky Lounge. At each meeting point, they were greeted by joyful fans.
Hosted by popular content creator, Oluwabukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, widely known as Kiekie, the reception had the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) team in attendance, including the president, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who expressed gratitude to Nigerian Breweries for their support and assured that the men’s team will be celebrated next. The Nigerian Breweries team were also represented, notably Marketing Director, Sarah Agha. Celebrities spotted at the party included Nollywood stars like Wale Ojo, Stan Nze, fashion icon Lanre Da-Silva, photography legend Kelechi Amadi-Obi, music star Ladipoe, as well as football legend Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha.
What stood out through it all was the Falcons’ exuberant spirit. Whether dancing on stage with Flavour in Abuja, singing along to Johnny Drille’s medley in Lagos, or even trying their hand on the mic — Deborah Abiodun attempting Wizkid’s Dance (Kese) — their joy was infectious. And when Kiekie asked fun facts about them, such as who the party animal in the team was, fingers pointed to Francisca Ordega. The same Ordega who dazzled the stage with her dance moves moments earlier.
It is this blend of unity, resilience, and unrelenting joy that makes the Super Falcons not just champions on the pitch, but also in our hearts. Because when the going gets tough, these women rise and win.
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