Benue, Ondo, Imo Roll Out Red Carpet for Falcons Heroes
… Cross River Yet to Host Its Own Star Player
By Inemesit FRIDAY
The roar of victory from the 2024 WAFCON is still echoing across Nigeria, and state governors are turning that echo into ovations for their homegrown Super Falcons heroines.
In Makurdi, the spotlight shone brightly on Francisca Ordega as Governor Hyacinth Alia rolled out a red carpet of rewards a ₦50 million cash prize, a furnished three-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city, and the promise of a major street to bear her name.
Speaking at a lavish dinner in her honour, Governor Alia hailed Ordega as “the greatest sports ambassador Benue has produced,” lauding her fifth WAFCON triumph as an inspiration for young girls across the state.
He called on parents to “root for their daughters in sports” and backed his words with action, gifting ₦10 million to Ordega’s youth coach and pledging to deepen investment in grassroots sports.
The evening, punctuated by live music from TuFace Idibia , now the governor’s Technical Adviser on Entertainment ,also unveiled new cultural and sports initiatives, including a ₦50 million “Benue Wild Talent Hunt Show” and an inter-state carnival.
Benue’s celebration is part of a nationwide wave of recognition. In Akure, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa recently rewarded defender Tosin Demehin with ₦30 million and a house at Sunshine Estate. Two Ondo-born officials , media officer Mary Akinsola and team secretary Mary Oduboku , each received ₦15 million for their role in Nigeria’s success.
In Owerri, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma hosted no fewer than seven Falcons standouts, including golden-gloved Chiamaka Nnadozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tochukwu Oluehi, Jennifer Echegini, Chinwe Ihezuo, and Anam Imo. Each walked away with $25,000, their achievements hailed as proof that discipline and patriotism still thrive in Nigerian sport.
At the national level, President Bola Tinubu turned State House into a hall of fame, conferring national honours (OON) on the entire squad, alongside $100,000 each and brand-new three-bedroom apartments. Kwara State’s governor added his voice and wallet, handing ₦10 million to each player from his state.
Yet, in stark contrast to these grand receptions, the Cross River State Government is yet to announce any official plans to host the only Cross Riverian in the Super Falcons squad, Miracle Usani, beyond a routine congratulatory message.
This omission recalls a similar silence after Terem Moffi , a proud son of Cross River ,helped the Super Eagles to a silver medal at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.
Despite his stellar performance and role in Nigeria’s run to the final, Moffi was never hosted by the state government.
For Ordega, the recognition is not just about the gifts but about the message they send. “Invest in sports infrastructure and education,” she urged, calling on leaders to create scholarships that allow young girls to excel in both school and sport.
Her words carry the authority of someone who has walked the hard road to glory , from dusty pitches in Gboko to lifting continental trophies under the African sun.
From Benue to Ondo, Imo to Abuja, Nigeria’s football heroines are finally getting the home-state receptions their exploits deserve.
But for some states, the applause is still stuck in the slow lane ,a reminder that recognition is not just about winning on the pitch, but about valuing the champions you call your own.
