Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has approved a collective cash reward of ₦70 million for the Imo-born members of Nigeria’s Super Falcons women’s national football team. The announcement, made via the Governor’s Press Office, applauds the players’ outstanding contributions to the country’s campaign at the recent 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
In a ceremony held at Government House, Owerri, Governor Uzodinma presented individual cheques to each of the five Imo-born Falcons, citing their “exceptional display of skill, resilience, and patriotism” on the continental stage. “These daughters of Imo have carried our flag with honour, and it is only fitting that the state recognises their achievements in a tangible way,” the Governor declared.
The rewarded players include midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and forward Francisca Ordega—both of whom hail from Owerri—as well as defender Christy Ucheibe from Orlu, winger Janet Eguaveon from Okigwe, and striker Deborah Abiodun from Ahiazu. Together, they helped Nigeria secure a semifinal berth, with Okobi’s engine-room leadership and Ordega’s clinical finishing earning particular praise from fans and pundits alike.
Governor Uzodinma called on corporate partners to emulate the state government’s gesture, arguing that private-sector sponsorship is vital for sustaining growth in Nigerian women’s football. “Beyond the glory of victories,” he remarked, “we must build an ecosystem that nurtures talent from grassroots to the global arena.” The players, for their part, pledged to invest part of their reward in youth development and community outreach programs across Imo State.
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