The Namibian conquest was the seventh time the Falcons have won the AWC. but rather than be celebrated and enjoy their fruits of their hardwork, they were hosted by the President with unfulfilled promises.
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The team has been treated badly despite their achievements for the nation.
Falcons have been made to stay in a one star hotel and move without security unlike their male counterparts, who lodge in posh hotels and move with escorts and siren.
The Falcons, nevertheless continually make Nigeria proud with the highest record of successes in the history of Nigerian football.
Failed Promises
When the boys won the AFCON tourney, they were praised and paid by the government, corporate bodies and individuals.
They flew into the country in a private jet amidst pomp and pageantry. On the contrary, the women were quietly dispersed without an acknowledgement or celebration of any form.
People have alleged that all these is cause the Falcons brand doesn’t have the same appeal as their male counterparts but they both represent the nation’s pride.
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Last saturday during his presentation, Jonathan included sports as part of his reforms and also proudly identified with the many successes of the Falcons during his jogging campaign rally. But to date, neither the president, nor the first lady, Patience Jonathan, has acknowledged the girls for their gallant performance in Namibia.
The president had promised to host the girls but its been over four months and the girls have been left on stand by.
The firm goal keeper, Precious Dede told reporters: “We are still waiting and we are believing strongly for as long as the president is concerned, he will host us, he will never forget us” .
Super Falcons with their trophy in Namibia.
The Falcons are scheduled to play in this years edition of the women’s world cup in Canada and are currently preparing towards this. They have to qualify for the All-African Games and Olympics to represent the Nation once again, but winning and not being recognized can be depressing for the women.
Falcons player, Francisca Ordega said: “I have a feeling the President still has us in mind, he can’t forget us. The team has done their best, we won for the nation, you see all of us here, we are happy.
We are more focused on the qualifiers, we want to win Mali, and also shine by bringing home the world cup to the country, that is it,” she said.
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The Coordinator of Save Our Women football advocacy group, Moses Bako, said : “I think it’s long overdue, the President should have hosted them by now. He should also compliment their efforts and now that nothing has been done and they are going to World Cup, appreciating these women will definitely boost their morale” .
One official in the NFF told Premium times that the NFF has been waiting for the FG to act on their promises for some time now.
“We have done our bit as a federation, what else do they want, everything is left to the President and if he likes he can host the girls. It is not in our power to make him do so and he can whatever he deem fit,” the source said.
The Falcons have been dominating African football unlike their male counterparts but they rarely get 10% of the praise the boys get.