‘5 minutes on TikTok won’t stop us playing our best’ - Super Falcons’ Morocco slayer Echegini tells Nigerians

In the wake of Nigeria’s thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Morocco in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final, PSG star Jennifer Echegini has boldly addressed critics targeting the Super Falcons’ use of social media, sending a powerful message of focus, balance, and resilience.

Echegini, who came off the bench to score the decisive late winner in Rabat, silenced doubters who suggested that the team’s screen time on platforms like TikTok and Snapchat could hinder their performance on the pitch. 

Speaking in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Dr. Ademola, the Nigerian midfielder acknowledged the concerns but firmly rejected the notion that a few minutes of downtime would affect their commitment to the game.

“I saw some stuff like this and I understand, like as football players, people want us to focus,” Echegini said. “At the end of the day, we all have the same goal, so I understand where they are coming from.”

Highlighting the importance of mental breaks, she added: “But just like every other person, there’s time throughout the day where you just have downtime and want to have some fun with your friends, and five minutes TikTok isn’t going to stop you from playing your best game.”

She continued with pride and clarity, noting the modern reality of today’s athletes: “We are going to continue to have fun, and we’re very focused, passionate girls. We’re still young, Generation Z. We are on TikTok, Snapchat. It’s just us, but we are very focused.”

Echegini’s response comes after Nigeria ended a dramatic final in Rabat, overturning a two-goal deficit to reclaim their record-extending tenth WAFCON title.

Her late match-winning strike capped a remarkable team effort that demonstrated resilience, skill, and determination, qualities that social media distractions did not diminish.

As the Super Falcons return home as continental champions, Echegini’s message resonates beyond football, reminding fans and critics that balance is key and that even elite athletes need moments of levity, without compromising their pursuit of excellence.