Former players of the Super Falcons, both in Nigeria and the diaspora, are seeking a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to request recognition and rewards akin to those given to the current squad that triumphed at WAFCON 2024 in Morocco.
After various meetings in the United States, newstap.com.ng reports that former internationals including Prisca Emeafu, Kikelomo Ajayi, Martha Tarhemba, Perpetual Nkwocha, Judith Chime Kamala, Precious Dede, and Patience Avre Odehi decided to voice their grievances regarding the lack of appreciation for their contributions to Nigerian football.
They expressed that it was unjust and cruel for past governments not to acknowledge the nine previous African titles, alongside their successful campaigns in the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games.
Former Super Falcons captain Kikelomo Ajayi stated that they are grateful to President Tinubu for honouring the current Falcons but urged him to extend similar recognition to previous generations of stars who toiled without reward.
“I did my best for Nigeria, but no government has appreciated our efforts. Mr President should remember the rest of us,” she remarked.
Another former Super Falcons defender, Prisca Emeafu, indicated that they would be eternally grateful if the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation made a sincere case for their forgotten heroines at the Presidency.
Former Falcons goalkeeper Judith Chime also emphasised the necessity for the President to rectify this oversight. “President Tinubu has made history by hosting and rewarding the Falcons. Before Mission X, there were unsung heroines, one through nine. He should truly be fatherly and wipe away our tears,” she said in Atlanta, Georgia.
Former midfielder Martha Tarhemba lauded the recent presidential reception but appealed for fairness, while ex-attacker Stella Mbachu expressed her full support for the past Super Falcons stars in protesting their ill treatment.
From Chicago, USA, former Super Falcons striker Patience Avre Odehi indicated that their contributions should be fully recognised in the renewed hope agenda. “We were used and discarded by corrupt governments and NFF officials. Most of us have nothing to show for winning laurels for Nigeria. Some of our colleagues are mentally and physically scarred. Promised money, houses, and land have remained unfulfilled, hence we pray that President Tinubu changes this narrative as swiftly as possible,” she stated.
“NSC Chairman Malam Shehu Dikko, Director General Bukola Olapade, and NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau should set the record straight so that the President and the First Lady can also demonstrate their appreciation for the pioneers of women’s football.”
“They remain our papa and mama,” added Odeli, who was part of the Super Falcons squad that first qualified for the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1999, alongside winning several African titles and participating in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
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