Women’s World Cup: Remi Tinubu Challenges Falcons to Shine

By: Gyang Dakwo

The wife of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has charged the Super Falcons to go and conquer at the 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup starting in Australia and New Zealand on July 20.

Senator Tinubu spoke with the nine-time African champions at a send-off dinner held for them at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on Sunday ahead of their departure for a 15-day training camp in Australia before the global showpiece.

“You are the shining stars and pride of Africa. I charge you to go all out and do your very best to dominate other teams, and become the pride of the entire world,” Tinubu said in a speech read on her behalf by Dr. Betta Edu, APC National Women Leader.

“I am proud to note that our Super Falcons have remained in that mix of the very best globally in the world of football. They have featured in every single edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals since the competition started in 1991, and our country is also one of only seven countries worldwide to have done so.

“While our Falcons made it to the quarter-finals at the 1999 finals in the United States of America, and reached the second round at the last championship in France, our expectations as a nation and as a people is for a much better performance at what is certainly the biggest and best championship yet, in Australia and New Zealand starting from 20 July.”

Earlier, President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, noted that the Super Falcons have won their last three matches and possess the winning mentality to be a strong force for any opposition in Australia and New Zealand.

“Our belief in the Super Falcons and what they are capable of achieving informed the NFF’s decision to spare no cost in adequately preparing the team for the finals, with tournaments and matches in Japan, Mexico and Turkey, and a 15-camping already planned in Australia before the tournament begins,” Gusau explained.

The Super Falcons will face Olympic champions Canada, co-hosts Australia and newcomers Republic of Ireland in the group phase.