Although they crashed out of the ongoing 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, praised the Super Falcons and announced plans to host the team upon their return to the country.
The Super Falcons dominated but fell short as England rode their luck after Lauren James was sent off, reducing them to 10 players.
The Lionesses knocked Nigeria out of the Women’s World Cup in a last-16 penalty shootout in Brisbane on Monday, with Chloe Kelly scoring the decisive spot-kick after Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie have both missed for the Africans, following a 0-0 draw over 120 thrilling minutes.
In a Tweet after the game, Tinubu hailed the performance of the 11-time champions.
“I must commend the effort by our Super Falcons @NGSuper_Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” the President wrote.
“Your brilliant performance did not go unnoticed despite the final outcome. You made Nigeria proud on the global stage!”
Speaking to reporters, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, noted that the Falcons played tremendously well and said that the team would be well received.
She said, “I want to say that they played very well and we are proud of them. We gave England a run for their money and so we will be waiting to receive them.
“The match wasn’t easy for England. It was like a bonus to them and they really played fine soccer.”
The 40th-ranked Super Falcons have now exited their ninth World Cup in the round of 16 for the second consecutive time, following their elimination by Germany in 2019.