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Super Falcons legend Kikelomo Ajayi urges Government to honour Nigeria’s Golden Generation of women’s football
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Former Nigeria’s senior women’s national team captain Kikelomo Ajayi has called for greater recognition and support for Nigeria’s trailblazing women’s footballers, lamenting that despite winning five consecutive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) titles, she and her teammates received “only empty promises” from the authorities.
Speaking in an interview with BSN Sports, Ajayi described the neglect as painful and disheartening, noting that many members of the golden generation now live in hardship despite their historic contributions to Nigerian football.
“We won five consecutive titles for Nigeria, yet we were given nothing for our efforts. We were making the country proud — lifting continental trophies, qualifying for World Cups and the Olympics — but all we got were empty promises,” Ajayi said.
She revealed that some of her former teammates are unemployed and rely on support from colleagues in the diaspora, stressing that the issue is about more than financial reward.
“This is not just about money. We want our children and future generations to know that we served this country with pride, and that Nigeria remembers us,” she added.
Ajayi expressed optimism that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will take steps to formally honour past football heroes, given his demonstrated interest in sports development.
“President Tinubu has shown that he values sports, and we’re hopeful his administration will finally recognize those of us who built the foundation for Nigeria’s dominance in women’s football,” she concluded.
Super Falcons’ 10th WAFCON triumph attracted cash and property gifts from the President, Governors, and team sponsors.
