BY NONYELUM JULIET
Abuja
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commended the Super Falcons for their record-breaking victory at the just concluded 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where the Nigerian side clinched their 10th continental title in Rabat, Morocco.
SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement released through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Sunday in Abuja, described the Falcons’ historic comeback win against host nation Morocco in the final as a demonstration of resilience, discipline, and national pride.
“On behalf of teeming sports writers across Nigeria, I congratulate the Super Falcons for exhibiting resilience in their pursuit and fulfillment in winning the 10th WAFCON title”.
Benjamin emphasized that the Super Falcons’ success once again reaffirms Nigeria’s potential to achieve greatness in global sports if provided with the right environment and support.
He urged the Federal Government, corporate organisations, and well-meaning individuals to increase investment in sports infrastructure and talent development, adding that the economic potential embedded in Nigeria’s sports ecosystem is enormous.
“I’m particularly delighted with the steady growth of women’s football in Africa. The massive followership and excitement that trailed the tournament, especially the final match, show how much potential there is in women’s sports,” he noted. “Even though the match extended into late night, millions of fans stayed awake to support their darling team. That tells you everything”.
In the same breath, the SWAN President hailed para-badminton star, Eniola Bolaji, for her gold medal performance at the 2025 British and Irish Para-Badminton International held in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
Bolaji, who is also Nigeria’s bronze medalist at the 2024 Paralympic Games, defeated world No. 1 and Tokyo 2020 silver medalist, Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh of Indonesia, to clinch gold in the women’s SL3 category at the Sport Wales National Centre on Saturday.
Benjamin lauded Bolaji for her consistency and dedication, saying her victory is a source of national pride and an inspiration for young athletes in Nigeria.
“Eniola Bolaji has maintained a level of consistency in her sporting career path. All she and other Nigerian athletes both elite and upcoming need is continuous support to reach even greater heights”.
SWAN reiterated its commitment to promoting excellence in Nigerian sports while calling for broader stakeholder support to sustain the achievements recorded by Nigerian athletes at both continental and international levels.
