Stella Mbachu Urges President Tinubu to Honor Retired Super Falcons for Pioneering Contributions

Stella Mbachu former Super Falcons winger and current coach of Heartland Queens has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Sports Commission to recognize and honor retired Super Falcons players who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s success in women’s football.

Her appeal follows the recent recognition of the current Super Falcons squad after their historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

In an interview Mbachu praised the president for honoring the victorious current team with cash and property awards but urged that similar acknowledgment be extended to former players who laid the foundation for Nigeria’s dominance in women’s football over the years.

“In our hearts, we are thankful that President Tinubu has recognized the current Super Falcons, but we also hope he can honor the old players who worked so hard for this country,” she said. “We gave everything for Nigeria, yet no government has ever acknowledged our efforts. It’s time for the NSC chairman and Mr. President to remember us.”

Mbachu’s call has been supported by other retired football stars including Perpetua Nkwocha, Prisca Emeafu, Precious Dede, Judith Chime, Martha Tarhemba, and Patience Avre Odeli. These veterans expressed the desire for their contributions to be officially celebrated, highlighting the lack of recognition many have faced despite the pioneering role they played.

Prisca Emeafu emphasized that official recognition would offer long-awaited appreciation and validate their hard work.

Judith Chime remarked on the importance of honoring the first generation of Super Falcons who struggled in relative obscurity and Patience Avre Odeli candidly described the difficult situations many former players now face.

The recent honors for the current Super Falcons have sparked a broader conversation about historical acknowledgment and support for retired female footballers who helped elevate Nigeria’s profile on the global stage.

Mbachu’s appeal seeks to ensure that the legacy of past heroes receives its deserved place in the nation’s sports history.