Governor Otti hosts Abia-born Super Falcons after 2024 WAFCON triumph

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has hosted three victorious Super Falcons of Abia origin who helped Nigeria lift the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy in Morocco, defeating the host nation in Rabat to secure a record 10th title.

The players hosted include Miracle Useni Ofem of the state-owned Abia Angels, Christy Ucheibe (represented by her father) of Portugal’s Benfica FC, and Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto, Canada.

Governor Otti congratulated the players, expressing pride in their achievement and the honour they brought to Abia State and Nigeria.

“I just want to thank you for bringing honour and pride to this State and Nation. We are very happy that you emerged as champions. Of course, Abia State is a State of champions,” he said.

The Governor explained that the visit had been planned earlier but could not take place due to the players’ tight schedules. He emphasized that his administration celebrates excellence to inspire others.

“We like to celebrate people who have done well so that others would emulate them and even want to do better than them. As you perform better, be assured that we are also going to celebrate you,” Gov. Otti added.

A special reward package for the victorious Falcons will be delivered through the Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, who also thanked Governor Otti for his continuous support of sports and youth development in the state.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Abia Angels, Mr. Johnson Nwosu, praised the Governor’s backing, noting that the team has evolved from being a player-supply club to one of Nigeria’s elite teams. “If you cannot perform under this administration, go and look for something else; something is wrong. The name of the State is now a visa for the players,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the players, Miracle Useni expressed gratitude to Governor Otti, saying, “Being received by His Excellency is a big honour and a privilege for me. I would say, thank you to His Excellency and thank you to Abia State as a whole.”

The Governor was joined by the acting National Secretary of the Labour Party, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and other commissioners and aides.