As Nigerians celebrated the Super Falcons’ qualification to the Paris Olympics, nationals in South Africa on Wednesday lauded their performance, noting that the team’s character and discipline gave Nigeria the ticket to the Games.
On Tuesday, the Super Falcons played a goalless match with Banyana Banyana of South Africa in Pretoria, qualifying on 1-0 goal aggregate after winning the first leg 1-0 in Abuja on Friday, April 5.
Doris Ikeri-Solarin, the President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA), said in a statement that the Falcons showed “character and discipline’’ during the game.
Ikeri-Solarin, who led some members of the Nigerian community to watch the game, also commended Banyana Banyana for their efforts.
“The Nigerian community in South Africa commends our women’s national team for qualifying for the Olympic Games. The Super Falcons were composed and focused throughout the game.
“The team showed character and discipline. We are proud of the team,’’ she said.
According to her, Nigerians living in South Africa came out en masse to the stadium to cheer on the Super Falcons.
“Members of the Nigerian community in South Africa mobilised themselves to cheer on our national team.
“Olaniyi Abodedele, NUSA Gauteng Province Chairman, played an important role in mobilising Nigerians to the stadium by providing tickets for Nigerians who wore the green and white jersey at the stadium.
“We commend Nigerians for being disciplined and steadfast in cheering the team. It shows that we are united and love our national team,’’ she said.
Ikeri-Solarin advised the Super Falcons to remain dedicated to doing well at the Olympic Games.
“This is the first time some Nigerians in South Africa have watched the team live. We are happy that they did well and made the nation proud. The girls were simply great.
“This also shows that Nigeria is blessed with abundant talents capable of doing well in national and international games.
“The Nigerian community in South Africa wishes the Super Falcons well at the Olympic Games and in their other engagements,’’ she said.
Leave a comment