Stella Mbachu, who used to play for the Super Falcons and is now the coach of Heartland Queens, has officially asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Sports Commission, led by Mallam Shehu Dikko, to recognize the work of retired Super Falcons players who helped build Nigeria’s success in women’s football.
This comes after President Tinubu recently honored the current Super Falcons team, who won the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco. They were given money and property as thanks for their achievement.
Even though Mbachu praised this move, she asked the government to also give similar recognition to the older players who earned Nigeria a lot of praise over the years through their hard work, strength, and success.
”In our hearts, we are thankful that President Tinubu has recognized the current Super Falcons, but we also hope he can honor the old players who worked so hard for this country,” Mbachu said in an interview. “We gave everything for Nigeria, yet no government has ever acknowledged our efforts. It’s time for the NSC chairman and Mr. President to remember us. “
Mbachu’s request has support from other former international players like Perpetua Nkwocha, Prisca Emeafu, Precious Dede, Judith Chime, Martha Tarhemba, and Patience Avre Odeli.
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Prisca Emeafu said getting official recognition would give them the long-awaited appreciation they deserve. ”We want to feel that our work made a difference and that our country respects what we did. “
Judith Chime, who used to be a goalkeeper from Atlanta, praised the support the current team is getting from the president. Still, she reminded him that the first generation of players also deserves recognition.
”Before the Mission X team, there were heroines who worked hard but weren’t recognized,” she said. “He should be a true father figure and help wipe away our tears.”
Patience Avre Odeli, who played a big role in Nigeria’s historic 1999 World Cup quarterfinal run from Chicago, described the situation many retired players are in as very bad.
Despite previous neglect, the group expressed its appreciation for the current administration.
