Ahead of the second leg of the Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 qualifier against the Amazons of Benin Republic, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has motivated the Super Falcons with the sum of N50 million.
Governor Abiodun made this known in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, when he received the Super Falcons of Nigeria, who are billed to play the second leg of their final WAFCON qualifier at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena on Tuesday.
The Super Falcons had, on Friday, 24th October, defeated the Amazons of Benin Republic by two goals to nil in front of their home supporters, with goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo.
Governor Abiodun, during the meeting with the Super Falcons, noted that the second coming of the Super Falcons to the MKO Abiola Sports Arena is a validation of the fact that the state is doing something right, adding that the state government is poised to further develop the stadium environment with a four or five-star hotel, cinema, shopping center amongst several other laudable developments.
While congratulating the team for their historic 10th WAFCON title, Governor Abiodun noted that their remarkable victory in Morocco where they lifted their 10th title lifted the nation and ensured that every Nigerian was extremely excited.
Abiodun also said that what the Super Falcons are doing goes beyond just playing soccer, adding that they are exemplifying leadership, teamwork and discipline.
He said: “As you prepare for the match, we will be supporting you and I don’t have a doubt that you’re going to qualify.
“I am going to be supporting you; my support today is to appreciate you for your last victory and also to motivate you for your next tournament.
“On behalf of myself, my team and all the entire members of the Ogun State Government and the good people of Ogun State, we will be giving you a small sum of motivation of N50 million.
“You can take our support in Ogun State for granted because we believe that through you, other young women will be inspired to be disciplined, they will be inspired that indeed it is possible that what a man can do, a woman can do even better.
“They will be inspired to work as a team in whatever discipline they find themselves, they will be inspired to aspire to leadership positions, for that reason and more, we will continue to support you so you will continue to be examples for other young women,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the head coach of the team, Justin Madugu, acknowledged the reception, support, huge following, concern and care the team always receives anytime it is in Abeokuta, adding that the MKO Abiola Sports Arena with its world class facilities has made their job an easy one.
“This evening at the stadium, we were being asked about the facilities that your Excellency has put up for our dear country and Ogun State in particular, we are very much happy.
“That has also made our job easy, each time we know we are coming to play here, we have no worries about facilities, we have no worries about the reception we always get each time we come to play here, we are very grateful sir,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the team, the captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his continuous support and for putting in place a world class playing turf and facility for their usage, adding that the Falcons would continue to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians by ensuring resounding victories anytime they put on the green and white jerseys of the country.
