2022 WAFCON: Lagos First Lady pays surprise visit to Super Falcons in training

… Rallies support for team to qualify for tourney

Etim Effiong

Ahead of the Super Falcons clash with the Black Queens of Ghana on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium, Lagos State First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Friday paid a surprise visit to the Nigerian team during their training session at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

The Super Falcons had on Wednesday recorded a resounding two-goal victory against the Black Queens in their Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture played in Lagos.

The First Lady, who was in camp to motivate the Super Falcons, commended the team for their superlative performance against their opponents, just as she urged them to repeat the feat in Ghana on Sunday.

This was contained in a statement signed by Olubukonla Nwonah, Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Office of Lagos State First Lady.

“First of all, I want to say thank you for the wonderful work you are doing out there. Thank you to the Coaches, too. Thank you for your resounding victory against Ghana on Wednesday. We are proud of you, and we will continue to encourage and support you.

“You have done well by winning the first leg and we need you to go out there on Sunday and ensure that you bring home the three points needed to secure your qualification for the 12th Women Africa Cup of Nations holding in Morocco next year,” she said.

The First Lady also urged Nigerians to continue to support the team to make the nation proud.

Besides, Sanwo-Olu said the girls must understand the need to continue to make the nation proud, adding that this would motivate others, especially the girl-child.

According to her, “As you are winning, you are inspiring a lot of young girls out there. A lot of young girls are watching you, believing that they can do it also. The more you win; the more you inspire girls. So, go there and do what you have always done.

Responding, Super Falcons captain, Asisat Oshoala appreciated the First Lady for the visit, saying it would go a long way to spur them to do their best and ensure victory in Ghana on Sunday.

“We really do appreciate you for taking out time to identify with us. We will be heading to Ghana tomorrow. I promised we are going to put in our best to get the three points to qualify for the Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next year,” Oshoala said.