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Sports
August 1, 2025 by David Bolarinwa
Nigeria’s Senior women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, were yesterday honoured in Lagos by MTN Nigeria following their victorious campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The coach Justine Madugu-led side last Sunday claimed a historic 10th WAFCON title after a dramatic encounter when they cancelled a first half 2-0 deficit to claim a 3–2 comeback victory over hosts at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, Morocco.
The celebratory breakfast, hosted at Eko Hotels & Suites, was filled with emotion, gratitude, and national pride, as MTN presented the team with a N150 million cash reward in recognition of their historic 10th continental title.
The occasion was graced by dignitaries from the federal government, President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Secretary General of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, MTN executives and enthusiastic supporters.
Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, hailed the Super Falcons as national icons and role models.
“You are more than athletes, you are inspirations,” he said. “You are proof that when Nigerian women rise, the world takes notice.
“At MTN, we believe in the power of connection, not just through technology, but through the soul and spirit of the people, today, we are connected with pride and joy through the unbreakable spirit of the Super Falcons.”
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, speaking on behalf of the squad, expressed deep gratitude to MTN and the wider community for their support before, during, and after the tournament.
Read Also: WAFCON 2024: MTN hosts Super Falcons in Lagos, gifts team N150m
“Thank you so much, everyone, for coming out today to celebrate with us, we appreciate the board of MTN, the CEOs, and everyone who came out to cheer us last evening when we arrived at your office. Thank you for this special host, we feel valued, we feel honoured, and we feel respected. This inspires us to be more, to do better, and to keep inspiring the next generation.” She said.
Ajibade further acknowledged the support from the presidency and the federal government.
“We want to thank the President of Nigeria, GCFR, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our First Lady for the huge gifts and honours. It’s a life-changing experience for us. It inspires us to keep representing and flying the flag high at the global level.”
Ajibade stated that the team’s ambitions extend far beyond the continent.
“We’re grateful for winning this 10th title, but we’re not content, we want to be global contenders. We understand the assignment. We know the huge responsibility on our shoulders. And we hope the Federation, the federal government, and private bodies will continue to invest in us so we can take Nigerian women’s football to the next level.” She said.
Board member and non-executive director at MTN Nigeria, Ifueko M. Omoigui Okauru, praised the team’s resilience and used the moment to share a broader message of hope for Nigerians.
She said: “To every Nigerian watching the Super Falcons, let their story be a reminder, never give up, despite the challenges in the country, economic hardship, discouragement, setbacks, never give up on pulling yourself together, never give up on your dreams, and never give up on the power of rising again, these girls have shown us what perseverance looks like, they’ve given us a reason to believe.”
English (US)