•Nigeria’s Super Falcons
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has urged the Super Falcons to put their disappointing defeat to Malawi at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) behind them and focus on the bigger task ahead in the tournament.
Describing Tuesday’s loss as a temporary setback, Shaibu said it should serve as motivation for the team to fight harder in their remaining matches, reports Channels TV.
The NIS boss encouraged the players not to allow one poor result to affect their confidence or determination.
He reminded the ten-time African champions that football is unpredictable and that every successful team experiences difficult moments on the road to greatness.
According to him, champions are defined not by their defeats but by their ability to recover and respond positively.
“The task ahead is bigger than yesterday’s defeat,” Shaibu said, calling on the players and coaching crew to remain united, disciplined, and fully committed to achieving their objective.
He expressed confidence that the Super Falcons possess the quality, experience, and winning mentality needed to bounce back and mount a strong challenge for the title.
Shaibu also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu is looking forward to welcoming the team home with the championship trophy.
He said the President has continued to demonstrate unwavering support for the Super Falcons and believes they have the talent and resilience to bring honour and pride to Nigeria on the continental stage.
The former deputy governor of Edo State reminded the players that millions of Nigerians are firmly behind them.
He noted that football fans, families, and supporters across the country are praying for their success and following their progress with great hope.
He urged the team to draw strength from the love and encouragement they continue to receive from Nigerians at home and abroad.
Describing the Super Falcons as more than just a football team, he said they represent the resilience, unity, and the nation’s aspirations.
Shaibu expressed optimism that the players would use the disappointment of defeat as motivation to deliver stronger performances, restore confidence, and reward the faith of Nigerians by returning home with the coveted trophy.
