National Teams
WAFCON 2024: Women Affairs minister sees Nigeria’s win as beacon of empowerment
By Dayo Awoniyi
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has praised the Super Falcons following their 1–0 victory over Botswana in the ongoing 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), describing the win as a powerful symbol of female empowerment and national pride.
In a statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jonathan Eze, the Minister commended the team for their grit and determination, calling them “warrior queens in boots—graceful, determined, and unshaken.”
“This victory is not only a sporting feat; it is a bold reaffirmation of the limitless potential of Nigerian women,” she said. “It symbolizes the rising tide of female empowerment in our country.”
With the win securing Nigeria’s place in the tournament’s quarterfinals, Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized that the Super Falcons’ success on the pitch mirrors the resilience, strength, and excellence of Nigerian women across all sectors.
She further linked the team’s performance to what she described as a defining era in Nigeria’s sociopolitical evolution—“Women O’Clock”—a time when women’s contributions are vital to the nation’s development.
The Minister also aligned the Falcons’ triumph with the broader goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which she said is committed to fostering inclusion and creating opportunities for women and girls.
She commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, for her leadership in advancing women’s welfare through the Renewed Hope Initiative, using sports and social programs as vehicles for national transformation.
“The Super Falcons are symbols of possibility and courage,” the Minister said. “They carry the hopes of a generation and embody the unity and strength of our nation. Nigerian women, girls, and families are behind them, celebrating every stride.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also used the occasion to highlight the importance of the Special Seats Bill, which seeks to increase women’s representation in the National Assembly, drawing a parallel between the team’s achievement and the need for more inclusive leadership in governance.
“Just as these athletes have earned their place through talent and tenacity, so too must Nigerian women be given the opportunity to lead and contribute at all levels,” she noted.
The Minister concluded by underscoring the role of sports in national unity and family cohesion—two key pillars of her ministry’s mandate.
“When our girls win, the whole nation celebrates. Families bond, communities unite, and a shared sense of pride is born,” she said. “This is the transformative power of sport.”
In a heartfelt message to the Super Falcons, she added:
“You are not just winning matches; you are changing narratives and building a legacy. Fly on, Super Falcons—fearless and free. In every goal, we see a nation’s pride. With you, we rise.”
