Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State rolled out the red carpet on Tuesday, July 30, 2025, for seven indomitable Super Falcons players of Imo origin, celebrating their heroic contributions to Nigeria’s historic WAFCON victory in Morocco. The private reception was held at the Governor’s Lodge in Owerri, just days after the Falcons lifted their record-extending 10th continental title.
Among the honored athletes were goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, midfield dynamo Jennifer Echegini, defensive stalwart Osinachi Ohale, shot-stopper Oluchi Oluehi, striker Chinwendu Ihezuo, and forward Anna Imo. Though invited, Michelle Alozie was unavoidably absent, having returned to the United States shortly after the final.
Uzodinma hailed the players as national treasures and shining symbols of Imo’s excellence. He praised their composure, courage, and competitive spirit, saying their triumph ignited renewed pride across the country and showed what disciplined Nigerian women can achieve on the global stage.
“The steeze and composure displayed by the Super Falcons were unmatched,” Uzodinma declared via his official X handle. “Even in moments when the nation was filled with apprehension, they stood firm. These daughters of Imo made us all proud.”
The reception followed Nigeria’s dramatic 3–2 comeback win against hosts Morocco in the WAFCON final on July 27, a performance hailed globally for its resilience and class. The Falcons’ tactical brilliance and mental fortitude in front of a partisan crowd delivered a momentous victory for African women’s football.
Upon their return to Nigeria, the team received a presidential welcome at Aso Rock, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred national honors, financial rewards, and apartments to the players and officials—a gesture seen by many as a new era for women’s sports recognition in Nigeria.
Beyond the national celebrations, Uzodinma’s move to personally honor his state’s football queens reinforces calls for state governments to do more in recognizing and empowering local sporting heroes. Imo, it appears, is leading by example.
