We Won 5 WAFCON Titles, Got Nothing" - Ex-Super Falcons Captain Pleads for National Recognition

Former Super Falcons captain Kikelomo Ajayi has made a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the Nigerian government to extend recognition and rewards to past players who laid the foundation for the team's current success in women's football. Ajayi, a key figure in Nigeria's early dominance in African women's football, captained the Super Falcons during several major tournaments, including the Africa Women's Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the FIFA Women's World Cup, and the Olympic Games.¹

The Plea

Ajayi's appeal follows recent rewards from President Tinubu to the current generation of female athletes, including members of the Super Falcons and the national women's basketball team, D'Tigress, for their international achievements. Each player was awarded cash gifts and national honors, a gesture Ajayi says is commendable but should also include past heroes. "We are not bitter. We're proud of the strides the current generation is making. But it's painful that many of my teammates who gave everything for Nigeria now struggle to survive," she said.

The Struggle

Ajayi lamented that her generation of players received little to no support or compensation despite bringing glory to the nation. "We won five consecutive titles for Nigeria, yet we were given nothing for our efforts. We were making the country proud, winning continental trophies, and qualifying for World Cups and the Olympics, but all we got were empty promises," she stated.

The Request

Ajayi emphasized the importance of acknowledging past players not only as a matter of justice but also to inspire future generations and instill a sense of national pride. "This is not just about money. We want our children to know that we truly served Nigeria and that the country remembers us," she explained.

Supporting Voices

Other former Super Falcons players, including Stella Mbachu, Prisca Emeafu, and Patience Avre Odeli, have echoed Ajayi's sentiments. They are seeking a meeting with President Tinubu to plead for recognition and rewards, citing their contributions to Nigerian football and the need for fairness and acknowledgment.

The Way Forward

Ajayi and her fellow former players are hopeful that President Tinubu will consider their appeal and provide the recognition they deserve. They believe that this gesture would not only be a matter of justice but also a way to inspire future generations of female footballers in Nigeria.