Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has honored Nigerian football star Francisca Ordega with a cash award of 50 million naira (approximately $33,000) and a fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow in Makurdi, recognizing her role in the Super Falcons’ historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory. The Al-Ittihad Ladies forward, though limited to a single appearance at the 2024 tournament in Morocco due to injury, was celebrated for her longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s national team.
The governor’s gesture underscores the significance of the Super Falcons’ continental dominance, as they extended their record as Africa’s most successful women’s football team. Ordega, 31, has now lifted the WAFCON trophy five times during her international career, which spans 26 appearances and seven goals since her debut. Her latest accolade comes despite limited playing time at this year’s event, where Nigeria defeated hosts Morocco 2-1 in the final.
“This recognition is not just for one tournament but for years of dedication to elevating Nigerian football,” a state government spokesperson noted, emphasizing Ordega’s symbolic importance as a veteran player. The donated property, located in Benue’s capital city, includes modern amenities, while the monetary award reflects growing calls for improved support for women athletes in Africa.
Ordega’s club career has seen her compete in top leagues across the United States, Australia, Russia, and currently Saudi Arabia. Her international tenure, marked by speed and technical skill on the wing, has paralleled the Super Falcons’ two-decade reign in African women’s football. The team’s latest triumph saw them concede just three goals across six matches, with emerging stars like Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade complementing veteran leadership.
While player bonuses and state-level recognitions remain uncommon in Nigerian women’s sports, analysts view this gesture as part of broader efforts to address longstanding gaps in athlete welfare. The Nigerian Football Federation recently pledged improved compensation structures for national team players following past disputes over unpaid allowances. Governor Alia’s intervention highlights regional governments’ increasing role in celebrating athletic success, particularly in football—a sport that unites Nigeria’s diverse population of over 200 million people.
Ordega has yet to comment publicly on the gifts but previously described representing Nigeria as her “greatest honor.” The Super Falcons are expected to shift focus toward qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they aim to improve on their quarterfinal finish in 2004—still Africa’s best performance in the tournament.
