In a display of unwavering support and admiration, Africans across the continent took to social media to hail the Super Falcons, despite their disappointing exit from the 2023 Women's World Cup on Monday.
Nigeria beat co-hosts Australia 3-2 and held Canada and Ireland 0-0 respectively to reach the last 16 courtesy of a well-deserved second-place finish in Group B that was tagged 'Group of Death'.
However, their remarkable journey hit a roadblock on Monday in a gripping last-16 encounter against England.
The Falcons were the much better side on the night in Brisbane, but England maintained their composure to go through on penalties, winning 4-2 to seal their spot in the last eight after 120 minutes of explosive box-to-box football which produced no goals.
Joining hands in admiration, Africans commended the bravery of the Nigerian girls.
"I must commend the effort by our Super Falcons at the FIFA Women's World Cup. Your brilliant performance did not go unnoticed despite the final outcome. You made Nigeria proud on the global stage!", President Bola Tinubu stated in a tweet.
Former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, acknowledged the dedication and fighting spirit of the Falcons, urging them to hold their heads high. "Regardless of today's result, your dedication and fighting spirit were never in doubt. Hold your heads up, and keep making the country proud, our Super Falcons!" he wrote.
Ghanaian journalist Gary Al-Smith said he was deeply hurt by the Falcon's exit from the tournament.
"This Nigeria loss is hurting far more than it should and I don't know why," he said.
Former Super Eagles captain and coach Sunday Oliseh added, "I am totally heartbroken but at the same time so proud of our "Extra Super" Falcons today. In spite of all the hardship & at times inhuman mistreatment, they have put Nigeria back up in world Football. God bless them all!!"
Collins Okinyo, a Kenyan football journalist, stated, "Very unfortunate for Super Falcons losing on penalties. They have been awesome in the tournament. The Super Falcons loss has hurt they were fantastic they were almost there."
Nigerian singer and songwriter Charley Boy also hailed Randy Waldrum's side.
"I congratulate the Super Falcons today on their wonderful performance at the World Cup. England may have won by penalty shootouts, but our ladies were no push over. Over try worry una, una do well. Much love from here. My people let's show dem Love.", he wrote.
Another Ghanaian journalist Juliet Bawuah added, "A very good tournament for the Super Falcons. Didn't end how we all wanted, but they proudly exit with too many positives. This is a very dedicated and committed group of players, and they made the continent proud by how much of themselves they gave. An inspiration for the women's game in Africa. Keep your heads up, Ladies," she wrote.
Cameroonian sports journalist Giovanni Wanneh praised the Falcons, saying, "They were impressive."
Guinean journalist Tanou Diallo lamented the Falcons missed chances. "Touching the crossbar three times was a misfortune for the ladies. They deserved to go through," he said.
Senegalese Maryama Cisse stated, "Hail to Nigeria's Super Falcons for making Africa proud."
A South African on Twitter with the username, @msemosa stated that Africa was proud of the Nigerians.
"Great football by the Super Falcons of Nigeria. They were denied thrice by the goalposts to defeat England. Africa is proud of you."
A Ghanaian football fan Thomas Mensah also expressed his pride in the girls, "Heads up, Super Falcons. Africa is proud of you."
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