LagosExplorer reports: In a show of pride and homegrown recognition, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has rewarded six Imo-born Super Falcons players and a team official with a whopping ₦70 million for their heroics in Nigeria’s victorious outing at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The special reception was held at the Government House in Owerri, where each of the seven recipients—including Assistant Coach Ann Chiejine—received ₦10 million in cash. The celebratory mood captured the essence of Nigeria’s recent WAFCON win and also underscored Uzodinma’s promise to uplift sporting talent from the state.
The honoured athletes include highly celebrated goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, standout defender Osinachi Ohale, and forward Anam Imo, among others. Nnadozie, who plays for Paris FC, was named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament and has continued to receive accolades for her consistent brilliance between the posts.
Governor Uzodinma, speaking during the ceremony, praised the Falcons' discipline, talent, and courage, calling them "a national treasure" and vowing to invest more in developing sports infrastructure in Imo State. "These ladies have brought pride not only to Imo but to the entire nation. Their victory shows what happens when preparation meets opportunity," he said.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated Morocco 3–2 in a pulsating final in Rabat on July 26, 2025, clinching their 10th WAFCON title and cementing their legacy as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.
The governor’s gesture has sparked mixed reactions online. While many praised him for recognizing hometown heroes, some social media users questioned why the entire Super Falcons squad was not honoured collectively. One critic on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “A team has 11 players, not 6. Why celebrate only those from Imo?”
Nonetheless, the move mirrors a growing trend among Nigerian governors who publicly reward their state-born achievers after national or international milestones. For instance, Delta, Bayelsa, and Lagos states have also hosted their sports stars with cash gifts and honorary events in the past.
Sports analyst Emeka Obi noted that while the gesture is commendable, it also opens a wider conversation on how sports achievements should be rewarded equitably. "The Falcons didn’t win WAFCON because of six players alone. Football is a team sport. However, governors have a right to celebrate their own; it just needs balance,” he said.
Michelle Alozie, another key Imo-born player who was instrumental during the tournament, was absent at the event due to club duties abroad, but the governor confirmed she would also receive her ₦10 million reward.
The celebration follows a nationwide wave of commendation for the Super Falcons, who were also received by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and several ministers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, earlier in the week.
With this ₦70 million reward, Governor Uzodinma not only reaffirmed his support for grassroots sports development but also positioned Imo State as a committed hub for nurturing female athletes poised to conquer global stages.
For fans and young footballers in Imo, the governor’s gesture is more than a cash splash—it’s a message: excellence will always be celebrated.