Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has rewarded international football star and Super Falcons winger Francisca Mlumun Ordega with a N50 million cash gift, a fully furnished three-bedroom apartment in Makurdi, and a street named in her honor.
The announcement was made during a special reception held at the Government House in Makurdi to honor the five-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champion for her continuous contributions to Nigerian sports and her role as an ambassador for Benue State.
Speaking during the reception, Governor Alia praised Ordega for her resilience, dedication, and long-standing excellence on both the continental and international football stages.
“Today, we are singing the nation’s common song of victory with one of us — someone whom God has chosen to represent us,” Governor Alia stated. “She has been a great ambassador of this state in sports throughout her career. She embodies the resilience and fighting spirit that Benue needs today.”
The governor also encouraged parents across the state to support their children’s athletic ambitions, emphasizing the transformative power of sports.
“I invite parents to allow their daughters to get onto the field. When guided, trained, and supported, they will return home as champions for our state and nation,” Alia added.
The state government’s recognition package for the veteran forward includes:
Financial Grant: A cash gift of N50 million.
Housing Development: A fully furnished three-bedroom apartment situated in Makurdi, the state capital.
Permanent Legacy: A prominent street in Makurdi officially renamed in her honor.
The event was attended by prominent state officials, including members of the Benue State House of Assembly, top government functionaries, and sports stakeholders, alongside music icon Innocent “2Baba” Idibia, who serves as Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
Call for Investment in Youth & Grassroots Sports
Expressing her gratitude, Ordega thanked Governor Alia and the people of Benue State for the recognition. She used the platform to advocate for sustained investment in grassroots sports development and talent discovery across Nigeria.
“Let’s continue to support sports development by investing in training programs, infrastructure, and grassroots talent discovery,” Ordega said. “With the right support systems and academic scholarships for young athletes, we can raise the next generation of global champions.”
Ordega, who has represented Nigeria at multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups and WAFCON tournaments, remains one of Africa’s most decorated women’s football players.
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