Super Falcons: Hope Uzodinma under fire for hosting Imo State players for WAFCON title

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma hosted a grand homecoming ceremony for Nigeria's women's national football team the Super Falcons.

The celebration comes following their victory at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Super Falcons defeated Morocco to win the 10th WAFCON title in a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory.

The event, held at the Government House was recognition for the team, particularly for the players and technical staff of Igbo ancestry.

He posted a message along with photos on his official social media platforms.

He said, "The excitement by Nigerians over the victory of Super Falcons was immense and here in Imo State, we were overwhelmed with joy, particularly because a significant number of our daughters proudly featured in the squad and the technical team. It was a moment of immense pride for our State.

"At a homecoming ceremony held in honour of our African Champions at the Government House, Owerri, I commended them for their resilience, tenacity, and commitment to national pride. Their dedication brought honour to Nigeria.

"While appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his magnanimity and show of love to the Super Falcons, I extended a similar gesture to our Imo daughters.

"It was both a token of encouragement and a reaffirmation that Imo will always stand by and celebrate her own, at every level. Hope Uzodimma."

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This comes after the team was received by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at a special reception held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Tinubu gifted the team a national honor, the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), along with $100,000 and a 3-bedroom apartment for each player, and $50,000 for each member of the technical crew.

Imo natives such as Chiamaka Nnadozie others such as Jennifer Echegini, Osinachi Ohale, Oluchi Oluehi, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Anna Imo were at the event.

Michelle Alozie was absent due to her commitments in the United States.

However, Uzodimma has suffered criticism from fans for only hosting Igbo players in the Super Falcons, with social media commentators like VeryDarkMan calling out the governor for what they perceive as regional favoritism.

See reaction below