Benue Government Gifts Super Falcons Star ₦50 Million, Names Street in Her Honour
- Francesca Ordega has received ₦50 million, a three-bedroom home, and a street named after her in Benue State
- Governor Hyacinth Alia hailed the Super Falcons star as Benue’s greatest sports ambassador in recent times
- Ordega had previously donated relief materials to IDPs through her foundation on her return to her home state
Benue State rolled out the red carpet for Francesca Ordega on Thursday night as Governor Hyacinth Alia rewarded the Super Falcons star for her role in Nigeria’s victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The lavish gesture came two weeks after Nigeria’s remarkable 3-2 victory over Morocco in the final at Rabat Stadium.
Source: Twitter
During a dinner held in Ordega’s honour in Makurdi, the governor presented her with a ₦50 million cash prize and a fully furnished three-bedroom apartment in the state capital, Vanguard reports.
Governor Alia also announced that a street in Makurdi would be named after the five-time WAFCON winner, who received massive support from her indigenes during the tournament.
He went further to reward the coach who groomed Ordega’s talent in Benue with ₦10 million, recognising the role grassroots development plays in producing world-class athletes.
Alia hails Ordega’s impact in Benue
Governor Alia commended Ordega not just for her on-pitch success, but also for representing the state and the nation with dignity.
Source: Twitter
“Today, we are singing the nation’s common song of victory with one of us, someone chosen to represent us and who has done so with excellence,” he said.
Highlighting her contribution to five WAFCON victories, the governor urged young girls to take up sports and encouraged parents to support their daughters’ ambitions in football.
He described Ordega as a “role model for every young lady aspiring to excel in sports” and called her story a testament to perseverance.
Ordega, who currently plays for Al-Ittihad Club in Saudi Arabia, expressed gratitude to the governor, the state, and her supporters.
She said the recognition would inspire her to work even harder and continue to be a good ambassador for Benue and Nigeria.
Ordega gives back to her community
Earlier, Ordega demonstrated her commitment to her community by visiting internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Ultra Modern International Market in Makurdi, The Guild reports.
Through the Francisca Ordega Foundation, she donated relief materials to families affected by displacement, in collaboration with the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC).
Expressing concern over the plight of the IDPs, Ordega said:
“They are suffering for no genuine reason. I wanted to celebrate this trophy with them because they deserve joy too.”
The Super Falcons star encouraged young girls to pursue football with determination, noting that her journey to stardom was filled with challenges but made possible by hard work and resilience.
Ordega’s story serves as a reminder that success on the global stage begins with humble roots — and a heart committed to giving back.
Why Ordega missed WAFCON final
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Super Falcons winger Francisca Ordega was not available for the WAFCON 2024 final against Morocco due to injury.
In a post on X, the Al-Ittihad player was spotted on the sideline during a buildup to the semi-final match against South Africa.
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Source: Legit.ng
