President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recounted a light-hearted moment at home as he revealed how the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, nearly skipped serving his dinner due to her deep interest in the Super Falcons’ thrilling match against Morocco on Saturday.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa on Monday while hosting the victorious Super Falcons team, President Tinubu described how the team’s stunning comeback from a 2-0 first-half deficit to a 3-2 win electrified the nation and united Nigerians in celebration.
“Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency,” the President told the team.
Tinubu admitted that he was initially reluctant to watch the high-stakes match, fearing the emotional toll.
“Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I didn’t want to have high blood pressure. But people came in and turned my TV on that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless. But I was still watching with the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage. And after that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too.
But you almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner.”
“She doesn’t watch the game except when the girls are playing. And at the end of the final whistle, it was joy all over the country,” he said.
The President used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s dedication to sports development, promising more investment in women’s football and in nurturing youth talents across the country.
“Your story is a story of hope. And in this era of Renewed Hope, we celebrate you not just as champions of Africa, but as champions of the Nigerian dream,” Tinubu added.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also addressed the team, praising the Super Falcons for their passion and unwavering belief.
“You played with passion, confidence, and an unshakeable belief in yourselves—that it is not over until it is over.
The zeal you displayed on the pitch was nothing short of inspirational. You never wavered and reminded the world why Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African women’s football,” she said.
She prayed for continued success for the team and expressed optimism about their future on the global stage.
“I told Mr. President this morning that you are going on to win the World Cup, and he thought I was too ambitious. But Ajibade, the team captain, just seconded that, and that is possible,” the First Lady added.
Captain of the Super Falcons, Rasheedat Ajibade, also spoke during the event, dedicating the win to young girls across the country.
“Today, I stand before you not just as the captain of the Super Falcons, but as a proud daughter of Nigeria, carrying the dreams, resilience, and spirit of our great nation,” she said.
She extended appreciation on behalf of the team and urged for more support for women’s football in Nigeria.
“This victory is not just a trophy. It is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Nigeria. It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream… This 10th title is for you, Mr. President, for Nigerians, for Super Falcons, and for every young child who believes and dreams to be on this stage someday,” Ajibade declared.
