Muhammadu Buhari congratulates Super Falcons after winning WAFU tournament in Abidjan
- Muhammadu Buhari showers encomium on the Super Falcons after winning WAFU Cup in Abidjan
- Coach Thomas Dennerby's ladies emerged victorious on 5=4 on penalties after playing 1-1 with Cote d’Ivoire during regulation period
- The Nigerian senior women's team will however shift focus to 2019 Women's World Cup in France this summer
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Nigerian women's senior national team following their triumph at the 2019 WAFU Women’s Cup tournament in Abidjan.
The Super Falcons defeated host nation Cote d’Ivoire 5-4 on penalties after playing 1-1 on regulation period at the Stade Robert Champroux on Saturday, May 18.
Ange Koko Nguessan shot the Dame Elephantes ahead in the 42nd minute through a superb freekick as they dominated the half.
But, an Uchenna Kanu's late minute equaliser ensured the game was stretched into spot kicks which Thomas Dennerby however emerged victorious at the end of the shootouts.
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And the president of Nigeria, Buhari has showered praises on the team for making the country proud in the regional tourney as they prepare for the 2019 World Cup this summer.
According to a statement released by Garba Shehu, the senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, the president commended the team for their fighting spirit.
He wrote: "President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates the Super Falcons for putting up a superlative performance that saw them emerging as 2019 WAFU Women’s Cup Champions, with an unbeaten record throughout the tournament.
"President Buhari commends the Falcons for their fighting spirit and resplendent skills evidenced in team work, discipline and focus, which enabled them to defeat the Ivorian Dame Elephantes at the finals of the championship.
"The President extols all officials and management of the team, led by Thomas Dennerby, for their sacrifice, commitment and diligence in winning the championship.
"As the team prepares for the forthcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, President Buhari urges officials and players to stay focused and unleash the same zeal that won the WAFU Women’s Cup Champions."
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Uchenna Kanu also ended up winning the competition's top scorer award having scored ten goals in five games for the Super Falcons.
Meanwhile, the team will return to Abuja on Sunday and continue their preparations for the Women's World Cup, starting in France next month.
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigeria's Super Falcons recorded their biggest victory ever in a match when they defeated Niger Republic 15-0 in a WAFU tournament going on in Ivory Coast.
Thomas Dennerby's ladies got their campaign off to a flying start after demolishing Mali 10-0 in the opening encounter.
Their impressive perfoemances earlier in the eight-nation tourney propelled them into the semifinals.
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Super Falcons coach Thomas Dennerby reveals Nigeria's target at World Cup - Legit TV
Source: Legit.ng
