Jonathan To Falconets: Nigerians Are Proud Of You Even As You Lose

President Goodluck Jonathan has assured the Nigeria’s under-20 women football team, the Falconets, that Nigerians are proud of them for their highly spirited and patriotic performance in the final of the just concluded FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup Tournament in Canada.
The Falconets lost to German side on Saturday night, by lone goal in the extra time and came second with silver medal.
At the end of the tournament, Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala was voted 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 them on Saturday, believed 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.
“Nigerians remain proud of the skillful performance of the girls. On behalf of myself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I congratulate you and assure you that despite your loss in extra time to your German counterparts in yesterday’s very keenly contested final, we are all proud of you.”
The President commended them for outplaying the Germans for long periods in the final, with greater ball possession and a higher number of goal attempts.
President Jonathan assured 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 said that he is waiting to honour them with a reception at the Presidential Villa on their return from Canada.
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