WHEN the Super Falcons of Nigeria began their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco, expectations were very high, as they were expected to succeed, despite the threats of perennial rivals and defending champions, South Africa and others. Dubbed Mission X, the team set its sights on extending an already enviable record, winning their tenth continental title. Justin Madugu’s charges did just that spectacularly, staging a heroic comeback in Rabat, to silence the hosts, who had raced into an early 2-0 first-half lead. The victory in Rabat electrified and united the nation, dealing with multiple challenges on several fronts, as it sparked waves of jubilation across Nigeria.
However, none appeared more overwhelmed than President Bola Tinubu, who openly expressed his admiration for the team, both in words and in deeds. Receiving the team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President described the Falcons’ triumph as more than a sporting success. It was, in his words, “a victory of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency.”
In a rare display of generosity, President Tinubu conferred the second-highest national honour, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), on each player and member of the coaching crew. He also announced the allocation of three-bedroom apartments to each recipient, alongside monetary rewards of approximately N153 million for each player and N75.6 million for each member of the technical crew. Besides the pomp and pageantry, President Tinubu’s actions send a significant message, one, which extols the importance of hard work, grit, team spirit, and the legendary never-say-die attitude of Nigerians. More importantly, it serves as a morale booster, not only for the Falcons and aspiring sportswomen but also for all Nigerians striving for excellence in their unique pursuits.
We commend President Tinubu for the huge gesture, as it would also validate the dreams of millions of young girls in the nooks and crannies across the country, who would want to tow that same line, and for parents, erase that long-held view that football or sports are for delinquents and misfits in society. The falcon’s recent triumph shows that sportswomen can have a dignified career.
The President’s gesture also highlights the unifying power of sports. In that moment, Nigerians forgot about the myriad of problems confronting the country or their ethnic inclinations. The whole country stood together in solidarity. This spirit of unity is what the nation should embrace, especially as the nation looks forward to another electoral season.
However, this is yet another opportunity for reflection. While it is commendable to reward excellence on the pitch, such gestures should also transcend to other endeavours. We encourage President Tinubu to look into public service and intellectual brilliance. Across the country, many first-class graduates abound, patted on the back or given paltry sums as awards for their academic achievements. Many of them remain at home due to a lack of opportunities, while some are actively looking for ways and means to leave the country where their minds would be appreciated. Recently, one Mr. Basil Enebeli, a 2021 first-class (4.91 CGPA) graduate of Physics from the University of Benin (UNIBEN), generated significant buzz on social media following his career trajectory.
Similarly, in the public sector, Nurses and Midwives across the nation have just suspended strike due to issues related to their welfare. Retirees are also protesting due to long-overdue benefits, after years of meritorious and dedicated service to the nation, while some also pass on before they receive their pensions and gratuities. A functional welfare system is a necessity to inspire future generations to serve with commitment and hope. Even in sports development, we urge governments at all levels to invest in infrastructure, especially at the grassroots level, instead of the usual fire-brigade approach, to prepare talents early enough for greatness. If all of these were in place, as obtained in other climes, the country would perform better in sports and probably even bring the World Cup home, sooner rather than later.
When recognition is institutionalized across all spheres in the country, only then can we say the Nigerian dream is truly attainable for all.
