Three players of Abia origin that were part of the victorious Super Falcons, Nigeria’s Senior Female soccer team that lifted m the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco have been hosted by the Abia State government.
The players 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 at the event, on Tuesday Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, congratulated them for making Abia State and Nigeria proud.
“We are very happy that you emerged champions. Of course, Abia State is a State of champions,” Gov. Otti boasted. 
The Governor pointed out that the State had wanted to host them earlier, but couldn’t as they were in a hurry to go back to their bases then.
While emphasizing the determination of his administration to celebrate people who excel in their endeavours, assured the victorious Super Falcons players of government’s readiness to roll out the drums anytime they attain such feats.
“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”, the Governor vowed.
The Governor announced a handsome package that would be delivered to the victorious players through the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, thanked Governor Otti for hosting the girls that made Abia and Nigeria proud and for rewarding the champions.
He further lauded the Governor for his unwaivering support to sports and youth development in the state.
In a brief remark, 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 the Abia Angels 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 Usani, noted that, without support from the Governor, they would not have gone far and appreciated the Governor for hosting them.
