President Tinubu urged to reward former Super Falcons players
Former Super Falcons player Patience Avre-Odeli has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reward former female footballers who brought glory to Nigeria in the past. Avre-Odeli made this appeal after the government gave land certificates to members of Nigeria's women's basketball team, D'Tigress, for their achievements.
Avre-Odeli, who has a rich football background, having played for Ufuoma Babes FC in Warri and Princess Jegede Babes FC in Lagos, praised President Tinubu for keeping his promise to reward athletes. She expressed the hope that this kind of support would encourage Nigerian sportsmen and women to perform better internationally.
Avre-Odeli also expressed her expectation that current Super Falcons players, who recently won the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, would soon be rewarded. However, she stressed that former Super Falcons players who won several African titles in the past also deserve recognition and rewards, as many of them were not appreciated during their playing days.
Avre-Odeli specifically mentioned some former players, including Mercy Akide-Udoh and Rita Nwadike, saying they are hopeful that the president will honour them for their contributions to Nigerian football.
President Tinubu's administration must be held accountable for honouring the contributions of former Super Falcons players, particularly those who won several African titles. The government's decision to reward members of the D'Tigress basketball team has set a precedent, and it is only fair that former Super Falcons players receive similar recognition. The fact that many of these players were not appreciated during their playing days makes their potential reward even more deserving. The Tinubu administration must demonstrate its commitment to rewarding the country's sports heroes, starting with the likes of Mercy Akide-Udoh and Rita Nwadike. This would not only be a testament to the government's appreciation for their contributions but also serve as a motivation for current and future athletes.
