Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun has revealed that Nigeria’s dramatic comeback victory over Morocco in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final was fuelled by national pride, not financial motivation.
Speaking at the “Mission X: Meet, Greet and Celebrate the Champions” event held at Hard Rock Café in Victoria Island, Lagos, Abiodun said the team’s mindset shifted completely after going 2-0 down in the final.
“We were not playing for the prizes,” said the 21-year-old. “The most important thing for us then was our pride as a nation and as players. We really do appreciate the gifts and everything, but being a Nigerian means everything to us.”
“We don’t want to go to the world stage to embarrass our nation. At that point, we were ready to give everything. We will die for Nigeria. We will die for our family.”
The emotional win sealed Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title, extending their dominance on the continent.
The celebratory fan event brought together football supporters, entertainers, legends, and dignitaries, and featured a lively Q&A session with eight players from the championship squad: Tosin Demehin, Christy Ucheibe, Folashade Ijamilusi, Miracle Usani, Sikiratu Isah, Shukurat Oladipo, Udoka Unachukwu, and Abiodun herself.
Also present were assistant coach and former Nigerian goalkeeper Ann Chiejine and ex-Madrid CFF forward Opeyemi Ajakaye.
The event was convened by Toyosi Oyetunji of Sportdotcom in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation’s media team, celebrating a tournament that showcased not just the Falcons’ talent but their unwavering patriotism.
