By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, has commended the Kwara-born Super Falcons midfielder, Halimatu Ayinde, OON, for her inspiring performance at the just-concluded 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament in Morocco.
The FC Rosengård player featured as a central/defensive midfielder throughout the tournament and contributed significantly to the team’s historic victory over the host nation in the final, held at Rabat Stadium last weekend.
AbdulRazaq and Halimatu Ayinde met after the Super Falcons and other members of the team were received and celebrated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Monday, where cash gifts and national honours were bestowed on the team.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) expressed pride in Ayinde’s accomplishments and described her as a shining example of excellence to others for her resilience and discipline on the global stage.
“We’re proud of you, Halimatu. You’ve made Kwara and Nigeria proud with your performance, and remain an inspiration to young athletes back home,” AbdulRazaq said.
In response, Ayinde thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for his kind words and encouragement, reaffirming her commitment to continue being a positive role model for young talents and to represent Kwara State and Nigeria with pride.
She stressed that winning the trophy did not come easy and expressed gratitude to the officials and members of the National Sports Commission for their support, pointing out that she would continue to do her best for the nation.