Alia rewards Super Falcons forward, Ordega, with N50m, house
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has honoured five-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champion and Super Falcons forward, Francisca Ordega, with a cash gift of N50 million, a three-bedroom bungalow in Makurdi, and a street named after her in recognition of her outstanding achievements in football. Alia announced this at a state banquet […]
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has honoured five-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champion and Super Falcons forward, Francisca Ordega, with a cash gift of N50 million, a three-bedroom bungalow in Makurdi, and a street named after her in recognition of her outstanding achievements in football.
Alia announced this at a state banquet held on Friday at the Government House, Makurdi, in celebration of the football star’s accomplishments.
The governor described Ordega as a “shining example” and “an inspiration to every young girl in Benue and beyond,” applauding her role as a sports ambassador who has consistently brought pride to the state and the nation.
“We are singing a song of victory with one of our own who has brought honour to our land. I urge parents to allow their daughters to pursue sports. With the right support, they too can become champions,” he said.
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Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sports development, the governor cited ongoing renovations of the Aper Aku and McCarthy stadiums and pledged continued support for Lobi Stars Football Club.
Alia, in addition to the rewards given to Ordega, handed Coach Randy Waldrum, who discovered her talent, a N10 million appreciation token.
Responding to the honour, Ordega expressed heartfelt gratitude to the state government and the people of Benue, dedicating her success to teamwork, discipline, and national pride.
“This is not just my victory, but a collective triumph for Benue and Nigeria. We fought hard, faced challenges, and proved that unity and determination can lead to greatness,” she said.
Ordega called for greater investment in women’s sports, citing the need for infrastructure, training, mentorship, and scholarships even as she pledged through her foundation, to collaborate with the state in promoting sports, education, health, and community development.
“Sports is a powerful tool for social change. Let’s build a system where girls can dream without limits,” she noted.
Chairman of the Benue State Football Association, Barr. Paul Edeh, applauded Governor Alia for his support of sports development, stressing the revival of the Governor’s Cup after ten years and the introduction of a female category with equal prize money.
He also relayed the goodwill message of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, who lauded Ordega’s record of winning five of Nigeria’s ten WAFCON titles and commended Governor Alia’s passion for football.