Sports
Mission X: House Committee on Sports Backs Super Falcons to Clinch 10th WAFCON Title
Joel Ajayi
The House of Representatives Committee on Sports has called on Nigeria’s Super Falcons to sustain their winning momentum at the 2025 African Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and bring home a record-extending 10th continental title.
Following a dominant 3-0 victory over Tunisia in their Group B opener on Sunday, the Committee, through its Chairman, Honourable Kabiru Amadu, commended the team’s impressive performance and expressed confidence in their ability to go all the way.
Goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chiwendu Ihezuo secured the win for Nigeria, temporarily placing them at the top of the group pending the outcome of the Algeria vs Botswana match.
In a statement released on Monday, Honourable Amadu said the victory was a strong statement of intent and should serve as a launchpad for the team’s campaign to secure a historic 10th WAFCON title—dubbed “Mission X.”
“On behalf of the House Committee on Sports, I congratulate the Super Falcons for their dominant performance against Tunisia,” Amadu said. “This win should energize the team to push forward and realize the dream of winning the African Women’s Nations Cup for the tenth time. The Federal Government, National Assembly, National Sports Commission, Nigeria Football Federation, and indeed all Nigerians are firmly behind you.”
Amadu also assured the team that all necessary support from the relevant institutions is being provided to ensure the squad is well-equipped to succeed.
“The House Committee on Sports has no doubt in your ability. You remain the best team on the continent, and we believe in your capacity to make Nigeria proud,” he added.
Chairman of the Committee, Honourable Kabiru Amadu and a member, Honourable Jonathan Gaza were at the stadium in Morocco to cheer the Super Falcons to victory.
The Super Falcons continue their Group B campaign on Thursday when they face Botswana at 8:00 p.m., before concluding the group stage against Algeria on Sunday, also at 8:00 p.m.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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