THE players of the Super Falcons squad that reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in the United States of America in 1999 will be honoured at the third NFF-Aiteo Football Awards in Lagos on Monday, according to the Nigeria Football Federation.
Captained by Florence Omagbemi, the Falcons defeated North Korea 2-1 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena with goals from Mercy Akide and Rita Nwadike, before losing 7-1 to the USA despite taking a second-minute lead through Nkiru Okosieme.
The Super Falcons bounced back to beat Denmark 2-0 in their final group match with goals from Mercy Akide and Nkiru Okosieme as they reached the last eight.
In the quarter-finals, the Nigerian ladies fought back from three goals down to Brazil in the first half to tie the game 3-3, with Prisca Emeafu, Nkiru Okosieme and Nkechi Egbe the scorers.
Brazil won in extra-time, in what was the very first time a women’s competitive game was decided by the now discarded golden goal. This was after 104 minutes.
“The performance of the Super Falcons in that tournament remains etched in the memory and it is important that we honour them with a special recognition award,” NFF President Amaju Pinnick said.
Fifteen members of that 1999 squad, as well as coach Ismaila Mabo, will be present at the Banquet Hall of Eko Hotels & Suites on Monday night at the awards ceremony.
Eight of them are being flown down from the United States of America.
Sadly, attacking midfielder Ifeanyi Chiejine died last year.
The 20-woman squad included Florence Omagbemi, Ann Chiejine, Yinka Kudaisi, Martha Tarhemba, Adanna Nwaneri, Eberechi Opara and Kikelomo Ajayi.
Stella Mbachu, Rita Nwadike, Gloria Usieta, Marvis Ogun, Prisca Emeafu, Judith Chime, Nkiru Okosieme and Maureen Mmadu were also in the squad, as well as Florence Iweta, Nkechi Egbe, Patience Avre, Mercy Akide and Ifeanyi Chiejine.
The 1980 class of Green Eagles led by ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu which won Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations title was specially recognised at the first edition of the awards in 2018.
At the second edition in April 2019, it was the turn of the 1994 class of Super Eagles, who won Nigeria’s second AFCON title and played at the FIFA World Cup for the first time, to be specially recognised.
Also to be honoured on Monday night, at an event to be attended by the Secretary General of FIFA, Ms Fatma Samoura, is Princess Bola Ngozi Jegede, a pioneer sponsor and advocate of women’s football. Princess Jegede, who is also a former Board Member of the Nigeria Football Federation, founded and funded the Jegede Babes Football Club for years
Organisers announced on Sunday that award categories will include Best Performance of the Year (Men; Nigeria-based); Best Performance of the Nigeria (Men, Overseas-Based); Best Performance of the Year (Women; Nigeria-based); Best Performance of the Year (Women; Overseas-based); Club of the Year (Men); Club of the Year (Women); Coach of the Year (Men); Coach of the Year (Women); Referee of the Year (Men); Referee of the Year (Women); Memorable Performance of the Year; Host State of the Year; Best Supporter of Women’s Football; Inspirational Award; Lifetime Achievement Award and Award for Commitment to Women Football Excellence.
There will also be post-humous awards for Prince Larry Eze and Ms Henrietta Ukaigwe for their contributions to women’s football development.
