Football stakeholders from across the globe have heaped praise on the Super Falcons for their remarkable display at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand.

The Super Falcons concluded their journey in the Women’s flagship tournament on Monday, exiting after a hard-fought contest that ended in a 2-4 penalty shootout loss to England during the Round of 16, following a goalless draw at Brisbane Stadium.

Various football stakeholders, in conversations with NAN on Monday, highlighted that the Super Falcons not only exceeded the expectations of Nigerians but also garnered admiration from the entire football fraternity across Africa and the world.

Mouktar Mohammed, Chairman of the FCT Football Association (FA), acknowledged the Super Falcons’ efforts despite the loss, emphasizing their well-executed game plan, pressure on England, and numerous scoring opportunities.

“The Super Falcons, along with the technical staff, showcased the essence of Nigerian spirit and excellence. This underscores the tremendous growth of our female football. They demonstrated readiness and determination from their arrival in Australia, asserting their capability against any team in the World Cup.”

Mohammed, recently re-elected as FCT FA Chairman, suggested that the team should capitalize on the experience, addressing observed shortcomings for future improvements.

“While a victory in this match could have been historic, we commend and celebrate the team for their remarkable journey. They should now be properly honored, recognized, and duly compensated. Their current success will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration to aspiring young female players in Nigeria.”

Akin Akinbobola, Former Chairman of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, lauded the Super Falcons for elevating Africa’s profile and putting Nigeria in the spotlight on the global stage of female football.

“Their performance has been exceptional, and a close observation of all their matches during this ongoing World Cup reveals a team that played with confidence and maintained their dignity throughout. Their character, talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence were evident in every game.”

Akinbobola also applauded the coaching staff for their adept strategic decisions that contributed to the team’s strong performance.

“The coaching crew’s technical acumen was impressive. Their substitutions and tactical strategies were a delight to observe. As a football coach myself, I was able to analyze their approach thoroughly. This tournament marked the first time the Super Falcons have competed on the world stage without any humiliation.”

In light of the Super Falcons’ accomplishments, Akinbobola advocated for the preservation of a significant portion of the current squad, advising a gradual transition of older players with emerging talents in preparation for the next World Cup.

“The success of the Super Falcons should be cherished and celebrated, especially after facing formidable global opponents. To sustain our progress, approximately 70 percent of the existing team should remain intact, while new talents are introduced to rejuvenate the squad. This strategic approach will help us maintain our standing in African female football and aim for even greater success in future World Cup editions.”

Patrick Ngwaogu, Former FCT FA Vice Chairman, acknowledged the initial doubts surrounding the Super Falcons’ performance due to pre-tournament distractions, praising their resilience and dedication.

“Despite the challenges, the team performed admirably, particularly in their encounter with England. The English side narrowly escaped defeat. Football is unpredictable, and our focus now shifts to regrouping and strategizing for future tournaments. Our young team possesses enormous potential, and they will surely mature as we prepare for the next World Cup.”

The Super Falcons’ journey has undoubtedly left a lasting impact, inspiring players, supporters, and football enthusiasts alike. Their valiant effort on the global stage sets the stage for an even brighter future in women’s football.

Football stakeholders from across the globe have heaped praise on the Super Falcons for their remarkable display at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand.

The Super Falcons concluded their journey in the Women’s flagship tournament on Monday, exiting after a hard-fought contest that ended in a 2-4 penalty shootout loss to England during the Round of 16, following a goalless draw at Brisbane Stadium.

Various football stakeholders, in conversations with NAN on Monday, highlighted that the Super Falcons not only exceeded the expectations of Nigerians but also garnered admiration from the entire football fraternity across Africa and the world.

Mouktar Mohammed, Chairman of the FCT Football Association (FA), acknowledged the Super Falcons’ efforts despite the loss, emphasizing their well-executed game plan, pressure on England, and numerous scoring opportunities.

“The Super Falcons, along with the technical staff, showcased the essence of Nigerian spirit and excellence. This underscores the tremendous growth of our female football. They demonstrated readiness and determination from their arrival in Australia, asserting their capability against any team in the World Cup.”

Mohammed, recently re-elected as FCT FA Chairman, suggested that the team should capitalize on the experience, addressing observed shortcomings for future improvements.

“While a victory in this match could have been historic, we commend and celebrate the team for their remarkable journey. They should now be properly honored, recognized, and duly compensated. Their current success will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration to aspiring young female players in Nigeria.”

Akin Akinbobola, Former Chairman of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, lauded the Super Falcons for elevating Africa’s profile and putting Nigeria in the spotlight on the global stage of female football.

“Their performance has been exceptional, and a close observation of all their matches during this ongoing World Cup reveals a team that played with confidence and maintained their dignity throughout. Their character, talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence were evident in every game.”

Akinbobola also applauded the coaching staff for their adept strategic decisions that contributed to the team’s strong performance.

“The coaching crew’s technical acumen was impressive. Their substitutions and tactical strategies were a delight to observe. As a football coach myself, I was able to analyze their approach thoroughly. This tournament marked the first time the Super Falcons have competed on the world stage without any humiliation.”

In light of the Super Falcons’ accomplishments, Akinbobola advocated for the preservation of a significant portion of the current squad, advising a gradual transition of older players with emerging talents in preparation for the next World Cup.

“The success of the Super Falcons should be cherished and celebrated, especially after facing formidable global opponents. To sustain our progress, approximately 70 percent of the existing team should remain intact, while new talents are introduced to rejuvenate the squad. This strategic approach will help us maintain our standing in African female football and aim for even greater success in future World Cup editions.”

Patrick Ngwaogu, Former FCT FA Vice Chairman, acknowledged the initial doubts surrounding the Super Falcons’ performance due to pre-tournament distractions, praising their resilience and dedication.

“Despite the challenges, the team performed admirably, particularly in their encounter with England. The English side narrowly escaped defeat. Football is unpredictable, and our focus now shifts to regrouping and strategizing for future tournaments. Our young team possesses enormous potential, and they will surely mature as we prepare for the next World Cup.”

The Super Falcons’ journey has undoubtedly left a lasting impact, inspiring players, supporters, and football enthusiasts alike. Their valiant effort on the global stage sets the stage for an even brighter future in women’s football.