Remi Tinubu hails Falcons despite World Cup exit, promises team heroic welcome

Remi Tinubu, wife of the president, has praised the performance of the Super Falcons despite losing to England at the 2023 Women’s World Cup (WWC). 

The Falcons were dumped out of the WWC on Monday following a 4-2 loss on penalties to the Lionesses. Nigeria performed spiritedly against the European champions, forcing the game into extra time and a penalty shootout after a goalless draw.

The first lady, in a statement by Busola Kukoyi, her media aide, said Falcons made the country proud.

Remi also said the Nigerian women’s team showed they are no pushovers, adding that England’s triumph “was simply luck”.

The first lady said she watched the game alongside Nana Shettima, wife of the vice president, and Ekaette Akpabio, wife of the senate president.

She also promised to receive the Falcons “as true heroes on their return home”.

“Senator Tinubu said she is very proud of the girls, who she said played their hearts out in the Round of 16 encounter of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup,” the statement reads.

“The First Lady who watched the match with the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, and the wife of Senate President, Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, described the match as a tension-soaked encounter, saying the Nigerian girls were no pushovers.

“She said the only thing the England side had going for them was simply luck, emphasizing that she is indeed very proud of the performance of the Super Falcons.

“The First Lady said she would be waiting to receive them as true heroes on their return home.”