Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has honoured Super Falcons star and Benue-born football icon, Francisca Ordega, with a cash reward of ₦50 million and a three-bedroom apartment in Makurdi, the state capital, in recognition of her outstanding performance at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The recognition was announced during a special dinner hosted in her honour by the governor on Thursday night in Makurdi.
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Ordega, who hails from Gboko, played a key role in Nigeria’s triumphant WAFCON campaign, marking her fifth continental title with the Super Falcons.
Describing her as “the greatest sports ambassador Benue State has produced in recent times,” Governor Alia also revealed plans to rename a major street in Makurdi after the football star.
In addition, he announced a ₦10 million reward for the coach who discovered and nurtured Ordega during her formative years
“She is truly an inspiration to everyone — especially young girls aspiring to make a mark in sports,” Alia said. “We must continue to support our daughters, guide them, and help them reach their full potential. Francisca is a shining example of what is possible.”
In her remarks, Ordega expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Governor and the people of Benue State. She used the platform to advocate for greater investment in grassroots sports development, infrastructure, and academic support for young athletes.
“Let’s invest in training programmes, sports facilities, and talent discovery initiatives,” she urged. “With the right support, we can harness the next generation of champions. And while we do this, let’s not forget the importance of education. Scholarships and academic support for young athletes are essential.”
Ordega also called on Benue youths to embrace peace and unity while supporting Governor Alia’s vision for the state’s development.
The event was graced by music icon and Governor’s Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach, Innocent “2Baba” Idibia, who commended the Governor’s proactive engagement in youth empowerment through entertainment and sports.
He also unveiled the upcoming Benue Wild Talent Hunt with a ₦50 million star prize, and announced plans for a major inter-state carnival.
In a symbolic gesture, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) presented Governor Alia with a special award for his unwavering support for Nigerian football.
Ordega remains one of Nigeria’s most decorated female footballers, having won five WAFCON titles, contributing immensely to the Super Falcons’ dominance on the continent.
