Governor of Imo State Hope Uzodinma has honoured Super Falcons players of Imo origin with a plot of land and a cash gift of N30 million each, following the team’s recent victory in the just concluded 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, in Morocco.
The governor, while receiving the seven players at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Owerri, said that the honour for the Imo-born players was part of efforts by the entire state to domesticate and celebrate the feat achieved by the Nigerian female players.
Uzodinma, who expressed happiness during the dinner held in honour of the Imo players, announced a reward of a plot of land in a choice area of Owerri and a cash gift of N30 million to each of the seven players from the state, including the technical team members.
The players honoured were goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Jennifer Echegini, Tochukwu Oluchi, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie and Ifeoma Onumonu.
The governor asserted that the state is proud of the sterling performance of the women, maintaining that the state government will continue to support them so that Imo can have more representatives in the Nigeria Women’s League as they strive to make the nation proud and bring more honour to the country.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for “setting the pace in celebrating excellent performance as exhibited by the Nigeria Super Falcons following their heroic victory at the just concluded tournament.”
Uzodinma noted that the people of the state are particularly happy and proud that the majority of the Super Falcons squad and Africa’s number one female goalkeeper hail from Imo, assuring that the state will continue to support and promote excellence.
The governor used the occasion to encourage women and young girls to “brace up and compete for the best.”
Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Obinna Onyeocha, commended the governor for his passion for sports development and the huge investments his administration has made in the sector, adding that the event is a manifestation of the governor’s commitment to sports.
The event was witnessed by top government officials, traditional rulers, and friends and relatives of the players.
