Dear Super Falcons,
Before you left to Morocco, we were confident that we were going for 10, the la decima, our tenth WAFCON title. Our confidence was founded, firmly rooted in your history as Africa’s best team in over three decades. The journey was not smooth from the beginning but you had your eyes set on the la decima.
Then came the semifinal against Morocco. It was late in the night but Nigerians were awake; on the streets of Uyo, Benin, Lagos, Aba, Potiskum, Abuja, Maiduguri, Kano, Port Harcourt, Ibadan and other cities, watching as their heroines stood like the historic trojans. You gave Nigerians and some of her African brothers a sensational moment–a moment that will be passed on to generations of football lovers to come
Everywhere they were, Nigerians supported you from abroad. From Doha, Los Angeles, Brussels, London, Seville, Leicester, Houston, Munich, Malaysia and other countries, you were the heartbeat of the most populous black nation in the world
You battled with the lasers; more than 45000 home fans, a hostile environment and against “unseen forces” but you were not deterred.
How can we not be proud of you, dear Falcons? Many Nigerians could not believe what they saw: 9 women battling against 11 women for almost 60 minutes.
You were the true Lionesses, which you did not get by mere name calling, but by your zeal, determination, courage and strength
This is the first time in a long while that the nation will rise to stand by a national team that lost a game. The outpour of love and encouragement is amazing. You are loved, dear Falcons.
Your performance on Monday has helped many people to apply the lessons from your resilience to their life challenges, to never say it is over until it is over. As our nation and families are passing through difficult times, we may be outnumbered but we stand like you, the Falcons, unshakable, unfazed.
You gave Nigerians reasons to brag. You are the undisputed champions. Africa’s number one, the beautiful bride of Africa. You could not get 10 now, you will get it later. It was delayed, not denied
You have proven to be the best and most talented team in Africa. The team glows like a diamond. The world awaits you in Australia and New Zealand. Go Falcons! Unleash your skills and fly like free Falcons. Raise your heads high and “buga.”
Nigerians boasted: “No African team can ever!”. They were not boasting just to comfort themselves, they are proud of the identity you have created. The lofty standards you have set, the joy you have given them for over three decades and the assurance that you will not disappoint.
After the game, it became clear to the world and his wife that you did not steal your status as the finest Women’s Football team in Africa and one of the most powerful in the world. You earned it and surely you deserve your flowers
As you go for the third place game, play like it is a final, yes, that could have been the final, so treat it as such.
Rise, fantastic Falcons. Dust yourselves and fly again. Your wings were not clipped, the rains just became too heavy. Sunshine is here, your feathers are dry again. Soar, Super Falcons
A heroic welcome awaits you.
By,
Bethel Kalu