The Super Falcons of Nigeria scaled through their group unbeaten with five points behind Australia before they lost to England in the Round of 16
Alaves defender Osinachi Ohale says the players are grateful after Nigeria's First Lady Oluremi Tinubu rewarded $10000 to each of the Super Falcons players that represented the country at the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Soccernet.ng reports
Nigeria left their mark on the global tournament despite crashing out in the Round of 16. The players' unshakable belief as a team helped them through a group that contained hosts Australia and Olympic champions Canada, to set up a last-16 tie with England in Brisbane.
Super Falcons had better chances and created more opportunities than their European counterparts in the last-16 tie before they eventually lost 4-2 on penalties after the game ended goalless following 120 minutes of action.
Their memorable display at the Mundial has been praised by football lovers both local and abroad, and among them was Nigeria's First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who praised the “unbreakable spirit” and “unwavering strength” when hosting the team members and officials at the Presidential Villa in Abuja before announcing the unprecedented reward.
One of the most experienced players in coach Randy Waldrum's squad and Nigeria's second goalscorer in their 3-2 victory over Australia in the group stage, Osinachi Ohale said the players are grateful to the First Lady for the kind gesture.
We are grateful for this unprecedented gesture because for several years we've been winning the Women's Africa Cup of Nations(Wafcon) and I can't remember us being honored or rewarded this way, the veteran, Ohale told BBC Sport Africa
We appreciate the federal government for their support and encouragement. And we also thank Nigerians for the remarkable support during the tournament.
Nigeria is a country where the public appreciate good things. When you do something good, they will show appreciation, and when you don't do well, they will still show it – they will forget the good things you've been doing, so that's how it is.
I'm just happy we were able to put a smile on their faces.
It is not only the federal government that has been hosting or rewarding players of the nine-time African champions, the governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma, has earlier met four players from the state – Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tochukwu Oluehi, Desire Oparanozie, and Ohale – handing out $10000 to each and promising the quartet a piece of land.
Players have also been rewarded in Osun when governor Ademola Adeleke also hosted players from the state – Rasheedat Ajibade and Rofiat Imuran, and the likes of Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Monday Gift have also been hosted by Lagos governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The Super Falcons will now shift their focus toward helping Nigeria secure a place at next year's Paris 2024 football event of the Olympics.
