Gov. Otti Hosts Victorious Super Falcons Players of Abia Origin, Celebrates Historic WAFCON Triumph [PHOTOS]

Abia State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has hosted Super Falcons players of Abia origin who were part of Nigeria’s victorious squad at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco. The Super Falcons defeated host nation Morocco in Rabat to clinch the prestigious trophy for a record 10th time, further cementing Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football.

The players hosted by the Governor include Miracle Useni Ofem of the Abia Angels Football Club, Christy Ucheibe of Benfica FC, Portugal represented by her father and Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto, Canada. The reception took place on Tuesday, December 23, as part of the state’s commitment to celebrating excellence and rewarding outstanding achievements.
Congratulating the players, Governor Otti praised them for bringing pride and honour to Abia State and Nigeria at large. He described Abia as a state of champions and expressed delight over their historic achievement on the continental stage.
“I want to thank you for bringing honour and pride to this state and to our nation. We are happy that you emerged champions. Abia State is truly a state of champions,” the Governor said.

Governor Otti explained that the state had initially planned to host the players earlier, but scheduling constraints delayed the event as the players had to return quickly to their respective clubs. He reaffirmed his administration’s policy of recognizing excellence as a way to inspire others to achieve greater heights.

“We like to celebrate people who have done well so that others can emulate them and even aim higher. As you continue to excel, be assured that we will continue to celebrate you,” he assured.

The Governor further disclosed that the victorious Super Falcons players would receive a special reward package, to be conveyed through the Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, thanked Governor Otti for his unwavering support for sports and youth development in Abia State. He also commended the Governor for hosting and rewarding the players who made both the state and the nation proud through their outstanding performance at WAFCON 2024.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Abia Angels Football Club, Mr. Johnson Nwosu, described the occasion as a memorable day for the club and the state. He noted that Abia Angels has grown into one of the elite teams in Nigeria’s football league due to the consistent support from the state government.

“We were once known mainly for supplying players, but today we are among the elite teams in this country. Under this administration, excellence is expected. The name of Abia has become a visa for players,” Nwosu stated.

Responding on behalf of the players, Miracle Useni expressed deep appreciation to Governor Otti for his support and for hosting them. She acknowledged that the encouragement and backing from the state government played a vital role in their success.

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“Being received by His Excellency is a great honour and privilege. I want to thank His Excellency and the entire people of Abia State for their support,” Useni said.
The Governor was accompanied by top government officials, including the Acting National Secretary of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha; the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, FCA; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD; and several commissioners, aides, and appointees.

Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State
23 December 2025