Governor of Imo State Hope Uzodimma on Tuesday hosted seven members of Nigeria’s Super Falcons who hail from the state, in recognition of their contribution to the country’s triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The reception, held at the Government House in Owerri, came just days after Nigeria clinched its record-extending 10th WAFCON title with a 3–2 victory over Morocco.
The players honoured by the governor include Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tochukwu Oluehi, Jennifer Echegini, Esther Okoronkwo and Anam Imo, all natives of Imo who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s successful WAFCON campaign.
Governor Uzodimma, who posed for photos with the players and other dignitaries, congratulated the stars for making the state and country proud, praising their talent, discipline and determination.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie captained the team through a dramatic tournament run, while Osinachi Ohale and Tochukwu Oluehi brought leadership and grit.
Jennifer Echegini and Michelle Alozie added flair and power in attack.
Anam Imo and Esther Okoronkwo proved instrumental from the bench.
QEDNG previously reported that the Super Falcons lifted the trophy after a tense final in Morocco, a win that not only secured Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football but also stirred emotions and tributes from public figures, including President Bola Tinubu, who shared a lighthearted moment about how his wife abandoned dinner to finish watching the match.
The president had earlier hosted the full squad of 24 players and the 11 member technical crew at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to celebrate their historic win.
Tinubu conferred on each member the officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national honours.
He also approved a three‑bedroom apartment in the renewed Hope Housing Estate in Abuja for each person and announced a cash award equivalent to $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for each technical staff member.
Most of the Imo-born Falcons have deep roots in the state, where they began their early football journeys before moving on to clubs abroad.
