Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the Falconets who won silver at the 2014 Fifa U20 Women’s World Cup in Canada despite defeat to Germany in the final on Sunday.

The impressive Nigerian girls lost 1-0 after extra time to Germany in competition’s final.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, the President said that the girls gave a good account of themselves and all Nigerians remain proud of the skillful, highly spirited and patriotic performance they put up throughout the tournament.

President Jonathan, who singled out Asisat Oshoala – the competition’s golden ball and boot winner for praises, said that the Falconets endeared themselves to many with their good displays at the tournament can become great force in World’s women football.

The statement read: “On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria , President Goodluck Jonathan congratulates Nigeria ’s under-20 women’s football team, the Falconets for winning the silver medal at the just concluded FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada.

“President Jonathan assures the Falconets that despite their loss in extra time to their German counterparts in yesterday’s very keenly contested final, all Nigerians remain proud of the skillful, highly spirited and patriotic performance they put up throughout the tournament.

“The President applauds the Falconets who outplayed the Germans for long periods in the final, and also had greater ball possession and a higher number of goal attempts, for equalling Nigeria ’s best-ever finish in the tournament, and, in Asisat Oshoala, producing this year’s top scorer and Most Valuable Player.

“President Jonathan who stayed awake till 0300 hours (local time in Germany) to watch the match with his aides as he promised the girls during his chat with the team on Saturday, believes that the Falconets have shown the world that with their innate skills, strength, resilience and determination, they can remain a great force in women’s football globally for many years to come.

“The President assures the Falconets and their trainers that they will continue to receive all the support and encouragement they require from the Federal Government to fully actualise their world-beating potential,” he said.

However, President Goodluck Jonathan has announced plans to host Nigeria’s Falconets for making it to the finals of the FIFA under-20 Women’s World Cup tournament that was hosted in Canada.

“He looks forward to honouring the team with a reception at the Presidential Villa on their return from Canada,” he announced.