Super Falcons Honour Late President Buhari As Algeria Force Draw In WAFCON

The Super Falcons of Nigeria observed a minute’s silence before their last group stage game against Algeria on Sunday night, July 13, to honour the passing of former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari.

Naija News reports that Buhari died at age 82 in a London hospital hours before the Super Falcons took on Algeria in their final group game at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

With emotions still raw, the Super Falcons paid tribute to the late president with a solemn minute’s silence ahead of kickoff at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

“A minute of silence was observed before kickoff in honour of former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away today (Sunday). May his soul rest in peace,” the team posted on their official 𝕏 page.

Buhari, a former military ruler and two-term civilian president, held a significant place in Nigeria’s political history. His victory in the 2015 presidential elections marked the first time an incumbent Nigerian president lost at the polls. He served until 2023, capping off a political career that spanned four decades.

In his lifetime, Buhari was awarded the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic and multiple military honours, including the Defence Service Medal and the Forces Service Star.

Back on the pitch, the Super Falcons, already assured of a quarter-final place, fielded a largely rotated squad. Head coach Justine Madugu opted to rest several key players ahead of a quarter-final match against Zambia’s Copper Queens.

Despite a lively performance from forward Francisca Ordega and glimpses of brilliance from Jennifer Echegini and substitute Esther Okoronkwo, Nigeria couldn’t find a breakthrough. Algeria’s Lady Fennecs were resolute in defence, packing the box and frustrating every Nigerian move forward.

Ordega, once again full of running and invention, nearly set up the opener when her cross was parried into the path of Ifeoma Onumonu. But the striker’s effort was halted before it could trouble Algerian goalkeeper Chloe N’gazi Boumrar.

The 0-0 draw ensured Algeria’s historic progression to the quarter-finals for the first time in the tournament’s history, joining group leaders Nigeria.

The final Group B standings saw the Super Falcons finish top with seven points, followed by Algeria with five. Botswana and Tunisia exited the competition with three and one point respectively.