President Buhari noted that the Nigerian team achieved “this feat of being African champions for the 8th time”.
According to him, this development has lifted the spirits of sports-loving Nigerians.
He enjoined other Nigerian sports men and women to emulate the exemplary attitude of the Super Falcons who placed the interest of the nation above personal interests,
The president assured that the Federal Government would not relent in doing its best to promote sports within available resources.
President Buhari also saluted the technical competence of the coaching crew, which enabled the Nigerian players to overcome their hard-fighting opponents throughout the competition.
The tournament’s outstanding team failed to repeat the fluency and brilliance of their defeat of South Africa in the semi-final, but Florence Omagbemi’s team found one more sumptuous moment during the closing stages of the game.
Oparanozie dribbled past defender Meffoumetou Falone before firing past goalkeeper Annette Ndom after the Indomitable Lionesses had failed to deal with Ngozi Okobi’s floated left-wing cross at the near post.
It was the second time Nigeria had defeated a host nation in the final and it came as a bitter pill to swallow for Ngachu Enow’s ladies who had created the better chances during the hard-hitting encounter.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has also commended the Super Falcons for emerging African champions for the 8th time.
Dogara, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, said that by winning the 2016 African Women’s Cup of Nations, the Super Falcons had made Nigeria proud.
“The Super Falcons played classic Nigerian soccer, exhibiting the true Nigerian spirit of resilience and hardwork,’’ Dogara said.
The speaker hailed Desire Oparanozie who scored the only goal that saw the Falcons beat the Cameroonians in Yaounde.
“By weathering the storm in all stages of the competition, the Super Falcons displayed an uncommon spirit of patriotism to Nigeria.
“You have not only earned yourself a place in our history and advanced your careers as athletes, but your victory today is a victory to all Nigerians.
“We are proud of all the players and members of the technical crew more especially Florence Omagbemi, who made history as the first to win the championship as a player and a coach,’’ Dogara stated.