MTN Nigeria hosted a celebration for the Super Falcons in Lagos on Thursday to honour their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The Nigerian women’s football team won a thrilling 3–2 match against the host nation, Morocco, on Saturday, July 26, at the Stade Olympique in Rabat.
The event took place at Eko Hotels & Suites and was filled with pride and excitement. MTN Nigeria presented the team with a cash reward of N150 million to celebrate their record-breaking 10th WAFCON title.
Top officials in attendance included representatives from the federal government, the President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF Secretary General Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola, and many supporters.
MTN CEO Karl Toriola praised the Super Falcons, calling them role models and national heroes.
“You are more than athletes – you inspire the whole nation,” he said. “When Nigerian women rise, the world notices. At MTN, we celebrate not just through technology, but also through the amazing spirit of people like you.”
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade thanked MTN and Nigerians for their support.
“We’re grateful for this honour. Thank you for hosting us and making us feel respected. This pushes us to do even more and to inspire future generations,” she said.
Ajibade also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady for their support and generous rewards.
“This is a life-changing moment for us. It motivates us to continue representing Nigeria proudly on the world stage,” she added.
Ajibade said the team’s goals now go beyond Africa.
“We want to compete globally. We understand the task ahead, and we hope the government, the football federation, and private sponsors continue to support us.”
Head coach Justin Madugu, who led the team to victory, stressed the importance of preparation.
“It’s not easy because the players are based around the world, and we sometimes have just a few days to train together,” he explained. “Despite the challenges, we always focus and do our best.”
He also addressed criticism from the public.
“You can’t please everyone. But I know this team, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to get the best out of them.
Constructive criticism is fine, but we won’t let negativity distract us.”
Ifueko M. Omoigui Okauru, a board member at MTN Nigeria, praised the team’s strength and encouraged Nigerians to stay hopeful.
“Let the Super Falcons remind us to never give up.
Despite the country’s challenges, these women have shown us what determination looks like. Their story gives us all a reason to believe again,” she said.