WWC: ‘Don’t rest on your oars’ — FG motivates Falcons

The federal government has called on the Super Falcons to continue to impress Nigeria at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The Falcons stunned host Australia 3-2 on Thursday to assume leadership of their group with four points — after playing a goalless draw with Canada in the opening game of the group stage.

In a statement, Ismaila Abubakar, permanent secretary in the ministry of sports and youth development, said Nigerians had followed the Falcons’ two games with keen interest and were delighted at their teamwork.

Abubakar also urged the Falcons to “take the next game against the Republic of Ireland with full determination to succeed as you took your first two games”.

“We want to thank you for doing the nation proud and putting a smile on the faces of Nigerians. The journey is still a long one but you have started well and deserve the prayers and support of all Nigerians,” the statement reads.

“We commend you, the coaches and the Nigerian Football Federation for the good job done so far. You cannot afford to rest on your oars. Take the next game against the Republic of Ireland with full determination to succeed as you took your first two games.

“On our part, we will continue to create an enabling environment for sports development in the country to enable its athletes not only to showcase their talents to the world but also to attain podium finishes.”

The Falcons take on the Republic of Ireland on Monday in the last group game needing only a draw, regardless of the outcome of the other game between Australia and Canada.