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Patience Avre Odeli, a former striker for the Super Falcons, has accused past Nigerian governments and officials from the Football Federation of exploiting her generation, which achieved footballing success for the nation.
The former top scorer, now residing in the United States, expressed that she and her teammates, who claimed the Women’s African Cup of Nations title four times and participated in four FIFA Women’s World Cups, have not received the recognition they deserve.
She noted that this has resulted in many of her fellow players experiencing severe financial difficulties long after they dedicated their best efforts to the country.
Avre, who played for Ufuoma Babes FC and Princess Jegede Queens FC, highlighted that her generation was the first Super Falcons squad to reach the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, lamenting that the government did not provide them with adequate compensation.
“My generation has been repeatedly cheated by negligent governments and NFF officials. The government allocated trivial amounts while we represented the nation in the African Women Championship, Olympic Games, and FIFA Women’s World Cup,” Avre said.
“The promises made during President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration amounted to nothing, and certain NFF officials, including Amaju Pinnick, along with coaches, withheld our small bonuses and kits. Amaju often requested we share our bank details but has yet to make any payments.”
She further alleged that these officials and coaches neglected the players' welfare, stating, “In addition to slashing our allowances, some officials and coaches would confiscate our jerseys and memorabilia that we should have taken home following major tournaments.”
However, Avre praised President Bola Tinubu for acknowledging the current Super Falcons team and their coaches, who recently won the WAFCON in Morocco, by rewarding them with substantial financial bonuses, housing, and national accolades.
“I commend the Falcons for upholding the tradition. Hats off to President Tinubu for his fresh hope agenda.” She further remarked, “Despite our dominance in African football and participation in both the Olympic Games and FIFA Women’s World Cup, none of us received a million naira reward or a national honor.”
She lamented, “I devoted thirteen years to serving Nigeria, yet we were never given the respect we deserve. Instead, we were met with hollow promises, token gestures, and just N300,000. We were promised plots of land that were never given.”
The former striker from Delta urged the President to rectify the injustices faced by her generation. “Many of my former teammates are struggling. Therefore, the President should address this injustice,” she concluded.
