By Peter Omopo
Makurdi, August 8, 2025 —
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has celebrated Super Falcons star Francesca Ordega with a generous gift of ₦50 million and a three-bedroom apartment in Makurdi, the state capital, in recognition of her stellar performance at the just-concluded 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The announcement was made during a special dinner held in her honour on Thursday night at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi. In a further show of appreciation, the governor also disclosed that a street in Makurdi would be named after the celebrated Benue-born footballer.
“Today, we sing the nation’s common song of victory with one of us — a shining ambassador of Benue State. Francesca Ordega has been a consistent beacon of excellence, representing this state and the country with distinction across five WAFCON tournaments,” Governor Alia said.
He also encouraged parents to support young girls in sports, stressing that Ordega’s story was proof that dedication, coaching, and encouragement could transform lives and communities.
In a symbolic gesture of appreciation to grassroots development, Governor Alia also awarded ₦10 million to Ordega’s first coach in Benue, acknowledging the vital role played in nurturing her talent.
In her response, Ordega expressed heartfelt gratitude to the governor, the state, and Nigeria at large for their unwavering support. She emphasized the importance of sports infrastructure and talent development, urging stakeholders to invest more in youth empowerment through sports and education.
“Let’s support sports development. Let’s invest in infrastructure, training, and talent identification,” she urged. “With proper support, we can nurture the next generation of champions while promoting education as a foundation for prosperity.”
Earlier in the day, the international football star paid a visit to the emergency camp for victims of the Yelwata attack at the International Market, Makurdi, where she donated relief items.
Ordega also used the occasion to call on Benue youths to promote peace, unity, and love, and to align with Governor Alia’s policies to ensure the continued progress of the state.
