Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has honoured Super Falcons star Francesca Ordega with ₦50 million and a three-bedroom apartment in Makurdi, praising her as one of the state’s greatest sporting ambassadors.
At a dinner reception on Thursday night, Alia lauded the Gboko-born forward—who helped Nigeria clinch the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco—for her record fifth continental title. He also pledged to rename a major street after her and awarded ₦10 million to her former coach in Benue.
“Francesca is a shining example of resilience and excellence,” Alia said. “She inspires our daughters to dream, and proves that with guidance and support, they can rise to the highest levels of sport.”
Ordega, expressing gratitude to the state and nation, urged investment in grassroots sports infrastructure, training and talent development. She also called for scholarship programmes for young female athletes to balance education with sporting ambitions.
“We can harness the next generation of champions if we provide resources and opportunities,” she said, while appealing for peace, unity and support for the governor’s administration.
Entertainment adviser Innocent “TuFace” Idibia commended Alia’s backing of sports and announced the upcoming Benue Wild Talent Hunt with a ₦50 million grand prize, alongside plans for an inter-state carnival.
The Nigerian Football Federation also presented a special award to the governor in recognition of his contribution to football development.
