By Henry Umoru, Abuja
WIFE of President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of Vice President, Amina Sambo, that of the FCT Minister, Hajia Aisha Bala Mohammed, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Josephine, others described the victorious Falconets as those who have made the country proud.

They were at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to accord them red_carpet reception over their brilliant outing at the just concluded Under_20 World Cup in Germany.

Also at the Airport to welcome them were members of the National Council of Women Societies [NCWS], Women for Change Initiative, Women’s Societies, Nigeria, the Abuja Market women, the Nigeria Supporters Club, just as the Cultural troupe were not left behind as they thronged the VIP wing of the tarmac singing solidarity songs in praise of the Falconets who arrived aboard an Arik aircraft.

Answering questions from Journalists at the Airport, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Josephine Anenih while commending the Falconets for winning the silver medal for Nigeria, stressed that the feat achieved by the girls had brought glory and honour for Nigerian sports as well as hope for all Nigerians.

The Minister who noted that the development will serve as an encouragement to all Nigerians particularly the youth who are expected to see the Falconets as role models, said, “they have positioned themselves as role models to the youths and other girls out there.

These are girls that were hitherto unknown and un_song, and nobody believed that they could do it but they have shattered all the myths about women. With the little encouragement they had, see what they have got”, she added.

Mrs. Anenih who called on the sports authorities particularly the NFF not to disband the team, but keep it together, said the girls were just Under_17 and still have a lot to offer the country by way of mentoring to the younger ones.

Also in her remarks, the wife of the FCT Minister who noted that the Falconets’ feat has indeed gone to show that “Nigerians, irrespective of all encumbrances, can succeed once they have the I – can – do spirit, stated that “we are really happy. The Falconets have really tried. It is not easy beating other countries of the world to get to the second position. This took a lot of team spirit, determination and discipline on the part of the players and their handlers.

“We have come to represent the people of this country and to show the players that we are all happy with them. Our prayer is that good things continue to envelop our dear country Nigeria and may God continue to guide and bless the country’s leaders in their pursuit for the best for all Nigerians”.

Also Fielding questions from reporters, an elated NCWS President, Hajia Ramatu Bala Usman who commended President Goodluck Jonathan for hearkening to the voice of reason and rescinding the Federal Government’s earlier decision to disband the country’s national teams from all international competitions,  particularly commended the Falconets for what she described as ‘their patriotic disposition’, which she said made it possible for the team to excel during the tournament and eventually clinch the second position.

“This is something to reckon with and we the women are very proud of them and the country is also proud of them”, she said.