Nigerians across social media on Monday hailed the Super Falcons following their narrow elimination from the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s Word Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Leading the packs are President Bola Tinubu; former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.
The PUNCH reports that Nigeria were defeated by England in the Round of 16 of the Women’s World Cup via a penalty shoot-out after the match ended in a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes.
England won 4-2 via penalty shoot-out as Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie missed their spot-kicks.
Cheering, Tinubu said the Falcons’ efforts against England cannot go unnoticed.
He shared a picture of the team on his Twitter handle saying, “ I must commend the effort by our Super Falcons #NGSuper_Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Your brilliant performance did not go unnoticed despite the final outcome. You made Nigeria proud on the global stage!”
Reacting, Atiku, in a tweet, said he had no regret in skipping his breakfast to watch the Round of 16 clash between Nigeria and England.
He also insisted that the Super Falcons have every reason to hold their head high.
Atiku tweeted, “We may have lost to England in a penalty shootout, but the @NGSuper_Falcons have every reason to hold their heads high. I still have no regrets about skipping my breakfast for this game. #ENGNGR #FIFAWWC –AA.”
Also reacting, Saraki tweeted, “Despite the heartbreak of the penalty shootout, I am proud of the Super Falcons for their incredible journey in the #FIFAWWC. And you, @NGSuper_Falcons, should be proud of what you have achieved. #ENGNGA.”
Other Nigerians also expressed their confidence and optimism in the team.
A tweep, The Town crier said, “Congratulations to the girls despite the bad officiating and other irregularities. We are proud of them and proud of Nigeria. Kudos.
Another, Mohammed Soliu, said, “It was a heartbreaking game but we are proud of the Falcons and the technical team. Better days are ahead. Keep the flag waving.
“You’re loved guys, you have displayed the sportsmanship spirit in you. Despite the outcome of the penalty, we still salute your efforts,” Abdulrasaq Saheed wrote.
Sunday Basmigboye opined, “Well done to our Queens for a job well done. Respect and kudos to you all. Gone are those days when they can just run our team over. You can only get better and better that’s for sure
President Ikemba said, “Our girls fought with all it took but we are hopeful the next edition comes through for them. They deserve it. Congratulations champs.
Yakubu Kabir wrote, “Watching @NGSuper_Falcons play Lioness of England this morning made my day already. It shows that the ladies played for the flag, not the money. The result matter not but the gift of believing in ourselves is restored. I believe in Nigeria.