News Investigators/ Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, says his administration is gifting Miracle Usani, a Super Falcons footballer with N50 million for her contributions to women.
He made the remark on Thursday in Calabar while honouring Miracle Usani, a member of Nigeria’s victorious Super Falcons squad that won the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
In addition to the cash gift, the governor also awarded her a plot of land in Calabar and an appointment as Sports Ambassador of the state.
He explained that the gesture was in recognition of Usani’s outstanding performance during the WAFCON and her contribution to women’s football.
He emphasised the need to harness the passion of the youths for economic and social development, noting that the players’ success should serve as motivation to other young people in the state.
“We are happy to have you here today, your determination and spirit have blown me away; you have proven that what a man can do, a woman can also do, and even better.
“You are not just an international personality today, but a symbol of pride for Cross River, Nigeria, and Africa.
“We have agreed on ₦50 million and a plot of land in Calabar for you, you are now on our ‘VVIP’ protocol list,’’ she said.
The governor said with her name on the protocol list, whenever there was any official state events, she would be part of it as a Sports Ambassador.
Otu urged the sports community to continue supporting young athletes, assuring that his administration would keep investing in talent development to ensure that many more Miracles emerge from the state.
According to him, sports is no longer for pastime but a serious commercial venture.
In her response, the Falcon star, who plays in Edo Queens Football Club as a defender, expressed gratitude for the recognition and encouragement.
She recounted her difficult journey to football stardom, saying, ‘’my journey wasn’t easy; growing up, people told me that girls who play football become masculine and won’t get married.
“There was no female team in Uke where I grew up, so I played football with boys; it wasn’t easy but I was determined.
‘’Today, I am proud to represent Nigeria and Cross River at the highest stage,” she said.
NAN
