Emotional Scenes As Super Falcons Star Presents WAFCON Gold Medal To Childhood Football Coach
- Rinsola Babajide has honoured her childhood coach by presenting her WAFCON gold medal and jersey
- The Super Falcons of Nigeria won a record 10th WAFCON title after a remarkable 3-2 comeback win against Morocco
- Players of the Super Falcons received $100,000 each, national honours, and houses from President Bola Tinubu
Super Falcons star Rinsola Babajide has celebrated her first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in a heartwarming way, after she honoured the coach who first taught her how to play football.
The AS Roma forward, who was part of the Nigerian squad that clinched a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, presented her gold medal and jersey to her childhood coach, Mr. MBE Steadman Scott, in an emotional reunion she shared on social media.
Source: Twitter
Rinsola, who was born in England to Nigerian parents, in a post on X described coach Steadman as the man with the purest of hearts, who had a remarkable record of developing young players.
"It was only right to link up with the legend himself: Mr MBE.Steadman Scott , my childhood coach, the man with the purest of hearts who genuinely cares about all his players & his success rate is second to none ❤️🥇😏🏆"
Her gesture quickly went viral among Nigerian football fans, highlighting the importance of mentorship in sports development.
Rinsola hits milestone with WAFCON title
Rinsola was part of the Super Falcons squad that pulled off a remarkable comeback against Morocco, winning 3-2 in the final after going two goals down in the first half, Al Jazeera reported.
Source: Twitter
The WAFCON title was not only a historic moment for the Super Falcons but also a personal milestone for Rinsola, as it marked her first major trophy with Nigeria.
Presenting her medal to her childhood coach was a way of acknowledging the crucial role grassroots coaches play in nurturing future stars.
Beyond the title, the Super Falcons’ success came with significant rewards.
The team secured $1 million in prize money from the tournament and was further honoured by President Bola Tinubu, who rewarded each player with $100,000, a three-bedroom apartment in Abuja, and a national honour.
Rinsola also benefited from the largesse of telecommunications giants MTN after they were gifted N150 million.
Fans commend Super Falcons star
The emotional moment between Rinsola and Coach Steadman has sparked commendatory reactions from Nigeria’s football community.
By celebrating her coach, Rinsola sent a powerful message to young athletes and aspiring footballers about the importance of remembering their roots.
Fans across Nigeria applauded the gesture, with many calling it an inspiring story that highlights the collective effort behind a player’s success.
Mathew Edafe tweeted:
“Well done, not many have your kind of heart. God bless you.”
Buchi also reacted:
“Such a good reunion, God bless Mr Scott.”
Erekaa also tweeted:
“Thank you for remembering your humble beginning. May God continue to bless you.”
Vincent Sunday reacted:
“Lovely how you recognise where your root began .. more grace to you OON.”
Demola Aderati posted:
“I love how you give him his flowers”
Rinsola recreates Messi’s iconic photo
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that while the WAFCON victory celebrations were emotional and electric across the Nigerian camp, one particular moment stood out: Rinsola Babajide’s Messi-inspired trophy photo.
The former Liverpool forward, who now plays for AS Roma, went viral after she was pictured recreating Lionel Messi’s iconic image of sleeping next to the World Cup trophy, taken after Argentina’s 2022 triumph in Qatar.
Source: Legit.ng
