Sport
The Super Falcons Can Do It Again — Aisha Falode
President Bola Tinubu urges Nigerians to support Nigeria’s 10-time African champions as the team seeks to recover from a 3-2 defeat by Malawi at WAFCON 2026
The Super Falcons have earned the trust, admiration, and unwavering respect of Nigerians through decades of excellence, resilience, and an enduring commitment to our nation’s colours.
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They are champions not only because of the trophies they have won, but because of the character, courage, and determination they have consistently displayed every time they step onto the pitch in service of Nigeria.
The result against Malawi was undoubtedly disappointing. It was not the outcome the team worked tirelessly for, nor the result millions of Nigerians had hoped to celebrate.
But I can say with confidence that no one feels that disappointment more deeply than the players and the technical crew themselves.
They understand the weight of the green and white jersey, and they carry the hopes of an entire nation with immense pride and responsibility.
One result does not diminish the quality of this team, the purpose that brought them to Morocco, or the belief of a nation that has stood firmly behind them.
They came into this championship focused, committed, and determined to achieve two important objectives: securing Nigeria’s qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and reclaiming the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title for a record-extending eleventh time.
The journey of every great champion is marked by moments of adversity. What defines champions is not the absence of setbacks but the strength of their response.
Throughout their illustrious history, the Super Falcons have shown an extraordinary ability to rise after disappointment, respond with courage, and remind the world why they remain the benchmark of women’s football in Africa. I have every confidence that this generation will do the same.
These remarkable women appreciate the privilege of representing more than 200 million Nigerians.
They recognise the confidence reposed in them by the Federal Government of Nigeria, the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Football Federation, our partners, and the millions of supporters whose prayers, hopes, and expectations accompany them wherever they play.
They wear our national colours not merely as footballers but as proud ambassadors of Nigeria’s resilience, unity, and excellence.
As we look ahead, our focus must remain on the opportunities before us.
This tournament is still alive, our objectives remain within reach, and every match presents another opportunity to demonstrate the true character of this team.
I believe they will respond with the passion, discipline, and fighting spirit that have become synonymous with the Super Falcons.
More than a fervent appeal, may we all continue to stand firmly behind this team in our thoughts and prayers. This is the moment when our encouragement matters most.
Let us replace doubt with belief, criticism with constructive support, and disappointment with renewed hope.
Our players need to know that the nation still believes in them because genuine support is never reserved only for moments of victory.
To our dear Super Falcons, remember who you are. Remember the legacy you represent and the millions of young girls who look up to you as symbols of possibility and inspiration.
Continue to play with courage. Continue to believe in one another. Continue to honour the badge with the passion, discipline, and resilience that have always defined Nigerian champions.
The Super Falcons have written some of the greatest chapters in African football history. I firmly believe they possess the quality, experience, unity, and character to write another.
Nigeria believes in you.
Nigeria stands with you.
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Keep believing. Keep fighting. Keep soaring.
By Tai Emeka Obasi,
It is exceedingly terrible for clubs operating in a league as supremely elite as the English Premier League, EPL, to fraudulently cheat themselves to massive success.
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Rules are rules, and supposedly responsible club managements should comply with them in administering a game termed the beautiful game.
Manchester City is currently in the eye of the storm for all the wrong reasons.
A whopping 115 breaches were brought against the club, with reports now indicating that an independent commission found City guilty of 114 of them.
The club, however, maintains that the Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements still to be completed and subject to strict confidentiality.
Manchester City chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, has appealed to the fans to remain calm and faithful, insisting that the club will continue to defend its position and pursue the available legal process.
According to reports, Manchester City is expected to appeal the verdict. The sanctions have not yet been announced, and the possible consequences could include a heavy fine, points deduction, stripping of titles or even relegation.
From the available reporting, however, there is no basis for football fans to start celebrating the prospect of receiving Manchester City’s trophies.
Even if titles were eventually stripped, the relevant period under investigation is 2009 to 2018.
During that period, Manchester City won three Premier League titles, in 2011/12, 2013/14 and 2017/18, as well as three League Cups, in 2013/14, 2015/16 and 2017/18.
That immediately puts a different complexion on the matter.
For instance, Manchester United finished runners-up to City in the 2011/12 and 2017/18 Premier League seasons, while Liverpool finished second in 2013/14.
But whether those titles would actually be reassigned to the runners-up is another matter entirely.
There is no automatic rule that says a stripped title simply moves to the team that finished second. Any such outcome would depend on the eventual sanction imposed by the relevant authorities.
The same applies to Arsenal and the League Cup. Arsenal were beaten by City in the 2018 final, but that does not mean Arsenal would automatically inherit the trophy if City were sanctioned.
Expert opinion has suggested that the eventual punishment could include a substantial financial penalty and a huge points deduction, potentially severe enough to threaten City with relegation.
But until the sanction is formally determined, nobody can say with certainty what punishment Manchester City will receive.
For Gunners fans, therefore, we should lower our expectations from City’s debacle. Even if Manchester City are eventually found guilty after the appeal process and even if they are relegated, Arsenal will not stroll to this season’s title.
Our last match against Brighton and Hove Albion is a huge warning that our squad is not as complete as it is generally acclaimed to be.
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Like we did last season, Arsenal must win the title on the pitch, not wait for Manchester City to lose it in the courtroom.
That is the real lesson.
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