Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has rewarded seven Super Falcons players of Imo origin with ₦30 million each and plots of land in choice areas of Owerri, following Nigeria’s recent victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The announcement was made during a special dinner reception held in honour of the players at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Owerri, as part of the state’s recognition of their heroic contribution to the national team’s historic triumph.

Speaking at the event, Governor Uzodinma described the honour as the state’s way of celebrating excellence and encouraging more women to venture into sports.

“We are proud of your sterling performance. You have made Nigeria and Imo State proud,” he said.

“As a token of our appreciation, each of you will receive a plot of land in a choice area in Owerri and a cash gift of ₦30 million. This is our way of celebrating your heroism and encouraging young girls to dream big.”

The Super Falcons players from Imo State who were honoured include:

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Goalkeeper and captain)

Jennifer Echegini

Tochukwu Oluchi

Chinwendu Ihezuo

Osinachi Ohale

Michelle Alozie

Ifeoma Onumonu

Members of the technical crew from the state were also included in the reward package.

Governor Uzodinma commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for being the first to celebrate the Falcons’ WAFCON success.

“President Tinubu set the pace in recognising and celebrating excellence, and as a state, we are proud to follow in that direction,” he said.

He assured that Imo would continue to invest in sports to build a pipeline of talent that will represent Nigeria with pride on the international stage.

Uzodinma Urges Women to Strive for Excellence
The governor also used the opportunity to inspire young women and girls across the state to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

“To our daughters and young girls watching, let this be your motivation. Compete for the best, push your limits, and don’t let anything hold you back,” he charged.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Obinna Onyeocha, praised the governor for his passion and financial commitment to sports in the state.

“Your Excellency, your actions continue to show that sports development is a priority in this administration. This event is a clear manifestation of your dedication,” Onyeocha said.

The colourful event was attended by top government functionaries, traditional rulers, sports enthusiasts, and the family members of the honoured players.

The Super Falcons’ victory in Morocco marked Nigeria’s 12th WAFCON title, with the Imo-born stars playing pivotal roles in securing the historic win.

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The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has advised Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that the coaches of the Super Falcons should have been rewarded more generously than the players.

It was reports that President Tinubu rewarded the Super Falcons players with $100,000 each and a three-bedroom home for every team member, following their stunning comeback win at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

In addition, each member of the technical team is expected to get $50,000, along with a three-bedroom apartment in the Renewed Hope Housing Estate.

President Tinubu announced the rewards during a reception at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he also bestowed national honours on the players and officials.

During his Sunday service sermon at the Redeemed Christian Church of God earlier today, August 3, Pastor Adeboye expressed appreciation to the President for rewarding the players and coaches.

He, however, added that the Super Falcons players ought not to earn more than the coaches, stressing that the technical officials didn’t do less than the footballers. The 83-year-old pastor, who said he was a sportsman in his youth, stated that the players wouldn’t have won the WAFCON title without the wisdom of the coaches.

He said no matter how good the players are, if the coaches don’t tell them how to win, they might not be able to do much, stressing that it is the technical inputs of the tacticians that win games.

Pastor Adeboye said, “You need a coach to win; coaches have the knowledge and wisdom required to win. If you don’t know how to win, you will lose.”

He added, “To be a part of the winning team in life, you must know how to win. You need wisdom. Wisdom is better than strength.”

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Omoba Adegboyega Folaranmi Adedoyin (1922–2014) holds a distinguished place in Nigerian history as a trailblazer in both sports and medicine. A royal by birth and a man of many talents, Adedoyin was the first Nigerian to compete in an Olympic final, leaving a legacy that bridges the worlds of athletics and professional healthcare.

Early Life and Royal Heritage

Born in 1922 into the royal Adedoyin family, Adegboyega Folaranmi Adedoyin was an Omoba—a Yoruba princely title indicating noble lineage. His early education and upbringing reflected a blend of traditional Nigerian values and British academic influence, positioning him for achievements that would resonate far beyond his homeland.

Athletic Achievements: A Nigerian Pioneer on the World Stage

Adedoyin rose to athletic prominence in the 1940s as an exceptional high jumper and long jumper. His most groundbreaking moment came during the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, where he represented Great Britain—a reflection of Nigeria’s colonial status at the time.

At these Olympics, he competed in both the high jump and long jump events, becoming the first Nigerian-born athlete to reach the final of an Olympic event.

His performance broke barriers, setting a precedent for Nigerian athletes and serving as an inspiration for future Olympians across West Africa.

In 1947, the year before the Olympics, Adedoyin solidified his status as a top-tier athlete by winning the high jump event at the AAA Championships in Loughborough, one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious track and field competitions.

His participation at this level, especially as a black African in post-war Britain, was not only rare but historically significant.

Academic and Medical Career

While his exploits on the track were remarkable, Adedoyin’s ambitions stretched far beyond sports. He enrolled at Queen’s University in Belfast, where he studied medicine, eventually earning his M.D. His success in both athletics and academics made him a rare example of balance and excellence in two demanding fields.

After completing his studies, Adedoyin returned to Nigeria, where he dedicated his life to obstetrics and gynecology, contributing to women’s health and medical practice at a time when the country was building its post-colonial healthcare infrastructure. His commitment to public service reflected the values of both his noble upbringing and his rigorous education.

Legacy and Impact

Dr. Adedoyin’s dual legacy as an Olympian and medical doctor underscores a life marked by dedication, resilience, and pioneering spirit. At a time when few Nigerians had the opportunity to compete internationally or access elite medical training, Adedoyin not only broke those barriers but excelled at the highest levels.

His story remains a source of pride in Nigeria’s sporting and medical communities. He paved the way for generations of Nigerian athletes, particularly those who would go on to shine in track and field at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. At the same time, he embodied the intellectual and professional potential of Nigerians on the global stage.

Omoba Adegboyega Folaranmi Adedoyin was more than a sportsman or a doctor—he was a pioneer, a symbol of excellence, and a bridge between tradition and modernity. From Olympic finals to hospital wards, his life’s work continues to inspire a new generation of Nigerians striving to make their mark across the world.

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