Benue Governor Rewards Francisca Ordega with N50m, House for WAFCON Triumph

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has honoured Super Falcons winger Francisca Ordega with a cash gift of ₦50 million and a fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow in Makurdi.

The gesture celebrates Ordega’s contributions to Nigeria’s victorious outing at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where the Super Falcons lifted a record-extending 10th continental title.

Although injury limited the Al-Ittihad Ladies forward to just one appearance at the tournament, her illustrious career speaks volumes. At 31, Ordega boasts five WAFCON titles, 26 caps for Nigeria, and seven international goals — a testament to her enduring presence in African women’s football.

A Reward Beyond the Pitch
Governor Alia’s recognition of Ordega underscores a growing but still rare trend — celebrating sportswomen not only for their victories but for their dedication, resilience, and role in inspiring future generations.

In a country where female athletes often receive less recognition than their male counterparts, this reward is more than just a personal gift; it’s a symbolic win for women in sports. It tells every young girl chasing a football dream that their hard work can be valued just as highly.

Opinion:
Ordega’s story reminds us that contribution to a team’s success isn’t always about minutes played or goals scored. It’s also about leadership, influence in the locker room, and the years of sacrifice behind the scenes. Injured or not, her presence in the squad carried weight — and Governor Alia’s gesture shows he understands that.

If Nigeria truly wants to keep dominating African women’s football, celebrating and supporting our female players — both in their peak years and beyond — must become a norm, not a rare exception. After all, champions are not made in one tournament; they are built over a lifetime of dedication, just like Francisca Ordega.