Sports

Ibrahim Gusau Hails Super Falcons’ Historic Victory: “Mission X Accomplished”

Published

3 months ago

July 27, 2025

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has expressed immense joy and pride following the Super Falcons’ dramatic comeback victory in Morocco, calling the win “a great day for Nigeria” and a testament to the team’s “commitment, dedication, and resilience.”

Speaking after the thrilling match in which the Nigerian women’s national team fought back from a 2–0 deficit to claim a crucial victory, Gusau struggled to contain his emotions.

“Well, I can’t just explain how happy I was, because this is a great day for us at the NFF, as well as for Nigeria in general,” Gusau said. “Because it’s not easy — it’s not easy for you to come to this kind of tournament in a country like Morocco, with all that has been said about Morocco. At the end of the day, we came up from 2–0 down to catch up as well as to get the big fruit yesterday night. So it is really a great accomplishment that we can never forget.”

Gusau credited the Super Falcons’ triumph to years of deliberate preparation and unwavering support for the team following the last Olympic Games. He detailed the series of high-profile friendly matches organized to sharpen the squad, including games against France, Algeria, Cameroon, Portugal, and Ghana.

“We tried to organize a high-profile friendly match for them with the French national team… Then secondly, we also organized a friendly match with the Algerian national team… We also organized another friendly match against Cameroon,” Gusau recounted. “When they commenced full preparation for the tournament proper, we ensured they got to Lisbon to play against Portugal, which ended 0–0. From there, they camped in Casablanca and played Ghana, which we defeated there.”

He emphasized that the victory was not only the result of tactical and physical readiness, but also a show of national support — including timely payment of allowances to boost morale.

“Most importantly, we must thank Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. All the support and contribution has been given to us, especially for this tournament,” Gusau noted. “Just a few days ago, we were able to pay all the allowances. And I think it motivated them a lot.”

The NFF boss concluded with gratitude and optimism for the future.

“We can just not say anything but to say Alhamdulillah, we thank God. Mission X is fully, fully, fully accomplished,” he declared. “Now our focus shifts to the next agenda — the qualification for the World Cup.”

The Super Falcons’ comeback in Morocco has been hailed as one of the greatest moments in Nigerian women’s football, reinforcing their status as Africa’s most decorated women’s national team and fueling hopes for another successful World Cup campaign.

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Sports

“Aderonke Atoyebi Wins Big in Denmark, Inspires Global Recognition for Nigerian Women in Sports

Published

7 hours ago

November 3, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria’s own Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi has brought immense pride to the nation after being named the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) Role Model of the Year at a ceremony held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The biennial ISCA Awards honour individuals and organizations that use sports and physical activity as tools for social change, inclusion, and empowerment across the globe. This year’s edition drew nominations from several countries, spotlighting outstanding figures who have transformed their communities through the power of sports.
Atoyebi’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment has made her a prominent voice in the sports-for-development space. Through her advocacy and leadership, she continues to demonstrate how sports can serve as a bridge for education, unity, and hope—especially among young women in Nigeria and beyond.
As part of the recognition, Atoyebi received a €3,000 cash prize along with the global visibility that accompanies the prestigious ISCA honour.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, she expressed deep gratitude and excitement, dedicating the recognition to her team and everyone who has supported her journey.
> “This award means a lot to me. It’s a testament to the hard work my team and I have put in over the years,” Atoyebi said. “Being recognised on such an international stage proves that no effort toward positive change ever goes unnoticed. It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and reaching more girls who need hope and opportunity.”

Atoyebi’s global recognition further strengthens Nigeria’s growing influence in the global dialogue around sports, development, and women’s empowerment. Her story continues to inspire a new generation of African women to believe that with passion, dedication, and purpose, they too can create lasting change.

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