President Bola Tinubu has humorously disclosed that he initially had reservations about watching the Super Falcons’ final match live, as he was concerned about the toll the high-stakes game might take on his health.
The President made this light-hearted revelation on Monday during a special reception held in honour of the Super Falcons of Nigeria at the State House in Abuja. The ceremony came shortly after the Falcons clinched their record-breaking 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in a thrilling and dramatic fashion.
Speaking during the celebratory event, President Tinubu admitted that he nearly decided against tuning in to the final match against host nation Morocco, which took place in Rabat on Saturday night. According to him, the intensity and unpredictability of such a crucial game made him anxious about his blood pressure levels.
“Honestly, I did not want to watch the match. I didn’t want high blood pressure,” the President said, drawing laughter from the audience. “But people came into my room and turned on my TV to that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very restless and very offended. But I was still there watching.”
He went on to commend the team’s extraordinary effort, adding, “I was impressed by the indomitable spirit of resilience, determination and courage of the team.”
The Super Falcons had stunned football fans across the continent by staging a remarkable comeback, overturning a 2-0 deficit to defeat Morocco 3-2 in front of a roaring home crowd. Their performance captured hearts and marked one of the most memorable moments in WAFCON history.
On Monday afternoon, the victorious Nigerian team arrived at the Presidential Villa at exactly 4:35 p.m. to a joyous reception, where they were welcomed with open arms by top government officials and dignitaries.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, along with the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, personally received the players before escorting them to meet the President. The atmosphere was festive and filled with national pride, celebrating not only a win but a symbol of unity and inspiration for the country.
During his remarks, President Tinubu heaped praise on the team, highlighting their discipline, teamwork, and tenacity. He assured them of his full support and emphasized that their accomplishment serves as a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora.
The President concluded by calling their triumph a reflection of what Nigerians are capable of when they come together with shared purpose and resolve, regardless of the obstacles.