Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has hosted the 3 victorious Super Falcons of Abia Origin who were part of the winners of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco, defeating the host nation in Rabat to lift the trophy for a record 10 times..
Those hosted include Miracle Useni Ofem, who plays for the State-owned Abia Angels football club, Christy Ucheibe (represented by the father), who plays for Benfica FC, Portugal, and Esther Okoronkwo, who plays for AFC Toronto, Canada.
Speaking on Tuesday, December 23rd, while hosting them, Governor Otti congratulated and thanked them for making Abia State and Nigeria proud.
“I just want to thank you for bringing honour and pride to this State and Nation.
“We are very happy that you emerged champions. Of course, Abia State is a State of champions,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor said that the State had wanted to host them earlier, but it didn’t work, as they were in a hurry to go back to their bases then.
Governor Otti, who stated that his government likes to celebrate people who have done well so that others would emulate them, assured the victorious Falcons that if they continue to win, he would celebrate them the more.
“We like to celebrate people who have done well so that others would emulate them and even want to do better than them.
“As you perform better, be assured that we are also going to celebrate you”, Gov. Otti assured.
The success and excellence celebrating Governor of the State told the victorious falcons that a handsome package would be delivered to them through the Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development.
Also, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, thanked Governor Otti for the support he has been giving to sports and youth development in the state.
He equally thanked the Governor for hosting the talented girls from Abia, who made Abia and Nigeria proud, by playing for the national team and winning the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations. He also thanked the Governor for rewarding the champions.
In his speech, the Chairman of Abia Angels, Mr Johnson Nwosu, described the day as a wonderful day as Abia Angels are making marks in Nigeria’s football league, and thanked the Governor for the huge support he has continued to give to them. He noted that they were initially known for supplying of players, “but today, we are one of the elite teams in this country.
“And the reason is very simple: if you cannot perform under this administration, go and look for something else; something is wrong. The name of the State is now a visa for the players”, Nwosu stated.
Responding on behalf of others, one of the victorious Super Falcons, Miracle Useni, said that, without support from the Governor, they would not have gone far. She further appreciated the Governor for hosting them.
“Being received by His Excellency is a big honour and a privilege for me.
“I would say, thank you to His Excellency and thank you to Abia State as a whole”, Useni said.
The Governor was joined by the acting National Secretary of the Labour Party, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, FCA, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, the Honourable Commissioners for Works, Power and Public Utilities and Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection among other appointees and aides of the Governor.
