Women’s World Cup: Osinachi Ohale grateful for First Lady’s reward to Super Falcons 

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian defender, Osinachi Ohale has disclosed that the country’s senior women national team players are grateful to the Federal Government for $10,000 reward for their excellent outing at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Super Falcons displayed excellent discipline and character to make it out of the Group stage involving host country Australia, Olympic champions Canada and Ireland. However, the nine-time African champions were eventually eliminated on penalties by finalist England after holding off to a goaless draw in normal and extra times.

Wife of Nigeria’s President, Oluremi Tinubu who hosted the team in Abuja recently praised the “unbreakable spirit and unwavering strength” of the Falcons just as she announced the reward.

Ohale who featured in all games at the World Cup and also registered a goal noted that the gesture by the First Lady was rare and one that will further motivate the girls to remain committed.

“We are grateful for this unexpected gesture because for several years we’ve been winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) and I can’t remember us being honoured or rewarded this way,” 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,” she laughed.

“I’m just happy we were able to put a smile on their faces.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Gusau has assured the team they will receive their 2023 World Cup prize money in addition to unpaid bonuses, allowances and expenses dating back to 2021.