Africa’s newly crowned champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, are set to arrive in Abuja today (Monday) for a hero’s welcome and trophy parade following their historic triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The Falcons, who claimed a record-extending 10th continental title with a thrilling 3–2 comeback victory over host nation Morocco in Saturday’s final in Rabat, are expected to touch down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by midday.
According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), arrangements have been made for a grand celebration that will include an open-roof bus parade through major routes in the Federal Capital Territory. The parade will see the players and officials travel through Airport Road, Berger Junction, Maitama, and Wuse Market before proceeding to the Presidential Villa for a reception with President Bola Tinubu.
“We are making arrangements to have a trophy parade with the players and their coaches in an open-roof bus,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said in a statement on Sunday. “This will afford a good number of people in those areas to have a rare sight of the Women’s AFCON trophy.”
President Tinubu, who joined the celebrations via a video call expressed his joy and pride in the team’s achievement, describing their performance as uplifting for the entire nation.
“As a team, we are very proud of you; the entire nation is proud of you,” Tinubu told the players and officials. “You lifted our spirits, and we are all very happy. You will be celebrated, and I congratulate all the coaches and the management of the team, including the ministers and officials.”
He further commended the Falcons for their landmark 10th title, calling it “a remarkable feat for the country and the continent.”
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade thanked the President for his support, including the approval of players’ bonuses, and promised to present the trophy in Abuja. In response, Tinubu said, “Good, I am looking forward to that.”
The Falcons’ latest triumph adds to their impressive list of WAFCON victories in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018 — reinforcing their dominance as the most successful team in African women’s football history.
