Francesca Ordega and Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia, during a reception event at the Government House, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on Friday celebrated international football icon Francesca Ordega, presenting her with N50 million and a three-bedroom apartment in Makurdi.
The lavish gesture, made during a grand dinner in the state capital, recognized Ordega’s remarkable contributions to Nigerian football and her role as a beacon of pride for Benue.
Governor Alia hailed Ordega as “the greatest sports ambassador Benue has produced in recent times,” highlighting her stellar performance at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where Nigeria’s Super Falcons clinched victory.
The Gboko-born athlete, a five-time WAFCON champion, has become a symbol of excellence, inspiring young talents across the state.
In addition to the monetary and property gifts, Alia announced plans to rename a major street in Makurdi after Ordega, immortalizing her legacy.
He also awarded N10 million to the coach who mentored her early career in Benue, acknowledging the critical role of grassroots coaching.
“Ordega’s success is an inspiration to young girls. I urge parents to encourage their daughters to pursue sports with dedication,” Alia said, emphasizing the transformative power of athletics.
Ordega, visibly moved, expressed gratitude for the state’s support, urging stakeholders to invest in sports development. “Let’s prioritize sports infrastructure, training programs, and talent identification to nurture the next generation of champions,” she said, advocating for scholarships to balance education and athletic aspirations for young female athletes.
She also called on Benue youths to foster peace and unity to support the governor’s vision.
The event also saw contributions from Mr. Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, the Governor’s Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
Idibia praised Alia’s commitment to sports and entertainment, announcing an upcoming Benue Wild Talent Hunt Show with a N50 million star prize and plans for an interstate carnival to boost cultural engagement.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) joined the celebration, presenting Governor Alia with a special award for his unwavering support for Nigerian football.
This recognition underscored his administration’s dedication to promoting sports as a tool for unity and development in Benue and beyond.
Ordega’s homecoming marked a moment of pride for Benue, with Alia’s gestures signaling a commitment to celebrating excellence and fostering opportunities for young athletes.
The event highlighted the state’s resolve to harness sports and entertainment as drivers of progress, inspiring a new generation to chase their dreams with determination.
