Jonathan Applauds Falconets, Says Team Can Become Great Force In Women’s Soccer

On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria,
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan congratulates Nigeria’s under-20 women’s
football team, the Falconets for winning the silver medal at the just
concluded FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup Tournament in Canada.

President Jonathan assures the Falconets that despite their loss in extra
time to their German counterparts in yesterday’s very keenly contested
final, all Nigerians remain proud of the skillful, highly spirited and
patriotic performance they put up throughout the tournament.

The President applauds the Falconets who outplayed the Germans for long
periods in the final, and also had greater ball possession and a higher
number of goal attempts, for equaling Nigeria’s best-ever finish in the
tournament, and, in Asisat Oshoala, producing this year’s top scorer and
Most Valuable Player.

President Jonathan who stayed awake till 0300 hours (local time in
Germany) to watch the match with his aides as he promised the girls during
his chat with the team on Saturday, believes that the Falconets have shown
the world that with their innate skills, strength, resilience and
determination, they can remain a great force in women’s football  globally
for many years to come.

The President assures the Falconets and their trainers that they will
continue to receive all the support and encouragement they require from
the Federal Government to fully actualize their world-beating potentials.

He looks forward to honouring the team with a reception at the
Presidential Villa on their return from Canada