Forgotten Champions: Ex-Super Falcons players cry out, appeal to President Tinubu for recognition
By Femi Fabunmi
They brought glory to Nigeria, flying the nation’s flag high across Africa and the world. They won titles, inspired generations, and broke barriers in women’s football.
But decades later, many of Nigeria’s former Super Falcons stars are speaking out not with joy, but with heartbreak.
Their stories are not of medals or fame, but of broken promises, unpaid bonuses, and years of silence from the very country they proudly represented.
In reports monitored by PMNEWS, several former Falcons players have opened up about their experiences, shedding light on the painful realities they endured behind the scenes while representing Nigeria.
Excerpts:
Former Super Falcons striker, Vera Okolo, who featured at the 2004 and 2006 editions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), has opened up about the harsh treatment they received during their time with the national team.
In a recent interview on Channels TV, Okolo revealed that the team was given just three sets of jerseys for the entire tournament a clear sign of how little value was placed on their efforts.
She also recounted how the players had to protest and refuse to leave their hotel over unpaid bonuses and allowances.
“After all that struggle, we were eventually given just ₦1 million, and in 2006, despite winning WAFCON, we got only our allowances. No reward, no recognition,” she said.
Joining her voice is Patience Omagbemi, another Falcons legend, who told Lagos Talks radio that her generation laid the foundation for Nigeria’s dominance in women’s football, yet they have nothing to show for it. Lagos drainage solutions
“We gave everything on the pitch, but there was no proper compensation,” she said.
Former defender who was described as rock during her playing days, Kikelomo Ajayi, also praised President Bola Tinubu for his recent gestures towards the current WAFCON-winning Super Falcons.
However, she called for equal recognition for past champions who made countless sacrifices when women’s football had little or no support.
The most emotional appeal came from Eucharia Uche Avre, a former top scorer who played in four FIFA Women’s World Cups and helped Nigeria win four WAFCON titles. Speaking from her base in the United States on a sports Podcast few days back also didn’t mince words, Avre didn’t hold back.
“My generation was robbed several times by irresponsible government and NFF officials. We were given peanuts, promised heaven and earth, but got empty envelopes instead,” she said.
Avre accused former NFF officials, including Amaju Pinnick, of failing to deliver on financial promises, recounting how some players were asked for account details that were never credited. Jerseys and souvenirs meant for players were seized by officials, and bonuses were either slashed or stolen, she alleged.
“We got golden handshakes and promises of land we never saw. Some of us received just ₦300,000 after more than a decade of national service,”
Avre said. “Meanwhile, today’s players are getting millions, apartments, and national honours and that’s great! But what about those of us who came before?”
Despite their heartbreak, the former players are united in their appeal to President Tinubu to correct the wrongs of the past.
They say it’s not just about money it’s about recognition, dignity, and fairness.
“Most of my teammates are suffering. We served this country with everything we had. All we ask is to be remembered and respected,” Avre said.
As Nigeria celebrates its current football heroes, the voices of past champions serve as a stark reminder: glory fades, but injustice lingers.
The time has come for the nation to honour not just today’s stars, but the pioneers who made it all possible.
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