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Seven Super Falcons Players of Imo Origin Get Plots Of Land, ₦30 Million Each After Visiting Gov Uzodinma

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9 months ago

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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.

See also  South Africa set to replace Morocco as WAFCON hosts

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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Fenerbahçe kick against Osimhen’s mask

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2 days ago

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April 24, 2026

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Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahçe have reportedly filed a complaint against Galatasaray over the use of protective mask by Victor Osimhen, which they say is dangerous to opposing players, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Osimhen returned to action on Wednesday night after being out with an arm injury for over a month.

The 27-year-old featured for 13 minutes in Galatasaray’s cup defeat to Gençlerbirliği S.K., appearing with a bandaged arm under a long-sleeved jersey.

Galatasaray are due to face Fenerbahçe in the league on Sunday, and their rivals are said to have reported the use of Osimhen’s gear to the Turkish Football Federation.

“Fenerbahçe believes that the hard protective gear used by Victor Osimhen in matches poses a risk to opposing players. The yellow-and-navy club is preparing to formally raise this issue by applying to the Turkish Football Federation,” Turkish news outlet HT Spor reported.

“The club’s medical team is preparing a report on materials that can be used according to IFAB rules.”

Osimhen wears a protective mask after he sustained a serious facial injury in a match while playing for Napoli in 2021.

The Nigerian clashed heads with Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar and sustained fractures to both his cheekbone and eye socket.

Osimhen required surgery and spent three months on the sidelines, with Napoli saying in a statement, “titanium plates and 18 screws were used in the operation”.

Medics advised Osimhen to wear a protective mask when he returned to playing.

It remains to be seen how the TFF will rule on the matter ahead of their potential title decider on Sunday.

See also  South Africa set to replace Morocco as WAFCON hosts

Galatasaray currently leads the Super Lig with 71 points, four ahead of Fenerbahçe with four matches remaining.

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Rooney claims supporter belief key to Arsenal ending 22-year drought in EPL

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6 days ago

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April 20, 2026

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Ex-Man United striker Wayne Rooney believes fan support could play a decisive role in the outcome of the Premier League title race, urging Arsenal F.C. supporters to get firmly behind their team during a difficult spell.

The Gunners’ hopes of winning a first league title in 22 years suffered a setback after a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, leaving the defending champions within striking distance with games in hand.

The loss followed a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to AFC Bournemouth, after which some fans booed the players off the pitch.

Rooney questioned that reaction, insisting it could have a negative impact on the squad at a crucial stage of the season.

“I think the Arsenal fans need to be better. They’ve been brilliant all season and they’ve hit a little bad run of form,” Rooney said.

He emphasized how much players rely on backing from the stands, particularly when results dip.

“They need to understand how much the fan support means to the players and how much it can help you. When you lose a game and you get booed off, that can affect player,” he added.

Despite recent setbacks, Arsenal remain firmly in contention with five games left to play, but face intense pressure from City, who could overtake them at the top of the table.

Rooney pointed to the importance of unity between fans and players, especially given the club’s recent history of falling short in title races.

“For Arsenal to win the league, the Arsenal fans need to play their part. The fans need to back the players a little bit more because that will have hurt the Arsenal players, 100%,” he stressed.

See also  South Africa set to replace Morocco as WAFCON hosts

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Oleksandr Usyk Backs Joshua To Beat Fury As Talks For Mega Fight Resume

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1 week ago

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April 18, 2026

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Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk believes Anthony Joshua has what it takes to defeat Tyson Fury if the long-awaited all-British showdown finally happens.

Negotiations between both camps have restarted after years of failed attempts to stage the fight. Usyk, who has shared the ring with both men and beaten each of them twice, says his recent time in camp with Joshua has left him convinced the former world champion is ready to rise again.

It was reports that Joshua has been training in Spain alongside the unbeaten Ukrainian as he works his way back to full fitness following a December car crash that claimed the lives of two close friends. He suffered minor injuries but has since returned to structured training.

Speaking to The Independent, Usyk said he has been impressed by Joshua’s intensity in camp.

“I believe. I look how Anthony is training. He’s a machine,” Usyk said.

The Ukrainian urged fans to rally behind Joshua during a challenging period in his career. Drawing a comparison with his support for Dynamo Kyiv, he stressed the value of loyalty through setbacks.

“Now I think Anthony needs help. People who support AJ, we must say: ‘Yeah, we do believe!’ Listen. I’m a fan of Dynamo Kyiv. I’m a fan a long time. Sometimes, my team loses but I not say: ‘You’re bad, you’re bad.’,” he added.

“I say, ‘Things happen. You must work, pray. It’s normal because it’s sport. Sometimes people support team or fighter and fighter loses and they’re negative. You are not fan. We must help each other. If we don’t help each other we are not people. We are animals.”

See also  Eagles unveil squad for decisive World Cup qualifiers

Usyk admitted Joshua is close to a full return but urged patience as recovery continues.

“I think yes but we need a little bit of time because we know AJ has problem with body after crash but yes, he can return,” he said.

Promoter Eddie Hearn expects Joshua to take another fight before a potential clash with Fury. He confirmed the British star is likely to remain in Usyk’s training environment for at least his next two bouts.

“I think, at the moment, he’s very happy obviously. The plan is those two fights, he’ll certainly be training with Usyk for those two fights,” Hearn said.

“I think when he’s there and he’s focused and he’s got that purpose, I think it’s really good for him.”

Usyk is also preparing for his own blockbuster event. The champion is set to face kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in front of the Pyramids of Giza, with the World Boxing Council heavyweight title at stake.

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