The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has assured members of the country’s senior women’s team, Falcons that more support would come their way as they prepare to hoist the country’s flag at the 2019 FIFA World Cup.
Acting President of the Federation, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, who gave the assurance, said the Federation will provide even more support and encouragement for the Super Falcons as they enter the final stages of preparation for this year’s FIFA World Cup finals in France.
Speaking yesterday when the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy made a stop-over in Nigeria on its tour of 24 countries qualified to participate at the championship in France, Akinwunmi acknowledged that the women’s game has brought so much honour to Nigeria, and therefore deserves all the encouragement and push necessary to thrive.
“The Government of Nigeria has been giving so much support to the various National Teams, including the Super Falcons. On our part at the NFF, we will ensure that the girls receive even stronger support before the FIFA World Cup in France,” he said at a ceremony inside the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
Earlier, at the office of the Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mrs Hauwa Kulu-Akinyemi traced the evolution of women football in Nigeria and stated that “the Government of Nigeria recognizes the pivotal role of football in unifying peoples across various physical and mental divides, and creating joy, love and passion among the youth. Football is a remarkable boundary-eliminator and works wonders in drastically reducing insecurity while fostering peace and tranquility within and across jurisdictions all over the world.”
Sarai Bareman (chief women’s football officer) who led the FIFA team, thanked the Government of Nigeria for its continued support for football, especially the women’s game. Also with her were Nicole Fisch (lead for women’s football project), Vanessa Marques (lead for marketing project) and FIFA legend Osaze Peter Odemwingie – former Nigeria international.
The gold-plated trophy, nearly 5 kilograms in weight, was unveiled by Odemwingie, who featured in four Africa Cup of Nations finals for Nigeria and played at two FIFA World Cup finals.
At the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, the train was joined by players, technical team and backroom staff of the Super Falcons led by Head Coach Thomas Dennerby, a number of pupils from a secondary school in Abuja and other stakeholders.
