BIO CONGRATULATES FALCONETS, JONATHAN, NFF

By NBF News

Bio
Minister of Sports and Chairman National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Ibrahim Isa Bio, has congratulated the President and Commander- in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, and Nigerians on the feats of the nation female football team, the Falconets, that won the silver medal at the final of the FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup in Germany yesterday.

The Nigerian team, a clear outsider before the championship started, not only got to the final, losing 0-2 to host, Germany, in a match the Falconets clearly dominated, but were unlucky in front of goal, they also made history, becoming the first African country to play in the final of any FIFA organized women's football championship.

Before losing in the final yesterday, the Falconets did not lose any match; they also defeated the defending Championship, USA, in the quarter-final. In a statement signed by Olukayode Thomas, Bio said: ” These girls have done Nigeria and Africa proud. Winning the silver medal in a global championship is worth celebrating, I urge all Nigerians to roll out the red carpet for our girls when they come back.

They have made us proud”.
Bio also thanked the President, Dr. Jonathan, and Nigerians for their support for the team, ” without the support of the government, and the prayers of Nigerians, the team would not have won the silver medal, we are grateful to the President”.

The minister urged all footballers and athletes that will wear the green-white-green in future to emulate the Falconets, ” they gave everything for the nation, I urge footballers and other athletes representing the nation in future to emulate this team”.

Bio also congratulated the acting President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Aminu Maigari, and the entire board members on the team success. Also speaking on ther nfiesta, the Director General of the NSC, Chief Patrick Ekeji, praised the Falconets' fighting spirit: ” Our girls are worthy heroines, they did us proud, even till the last minute, they did not give up , I hope other team will emulate their fighting spirit” said Ekeji.