Former Super Falcons goalkeeper, Judith Chime, has made a heartfelt appeal to the Federal Government, calling for formal recognition of past Super Falcons players whose sacrifices and achievements laid the foundation for women’s football in Nigeria.

 

In a strongly worded statement, Chime said her appeal was rooted in fairness, national legacy, and respect for service rendered to the country. She noted that while Nigeria has consistently honoured excellence in various sectors through national awards such as the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), landed properties, and other incentives, many women who represented the nation at the highest level of football have been largely overlooked.

 

“Over the years, we have rightly celebrated and rewarded excellence across various sectors,” Chime said. “However, one cannot help but ask: what becomes of the women who carried our flag with pride when it mattered most?”

 

Describing the early Super Falcons as pioneers and trailblazers, the former goalkeeper emphasized that the team’s legends endured significant hardship, often playing through pain, uncertainty, and neglect, motivated only by patriotism and a desire to make Nigeria proud.

 

“The Super Falcons legends were not just footballers; they were tone-setters who laid the foundation for women’s football in Nigeria—often at great personal sacrifice,” she stated.

 

Chime questioned the justice of allowing such historic contributions to fade into obscurity, stressing that her appeal goes beyond financial reward. According to her, recognition is about remembrance, respect, and correcting a long-standing omission.

 

“This is not merely an appeal for reward, but for recognition, remembrance, and respect,” she said. “A nation that forgets its pioneers risks losing its soul.”

 

She added that honouring former Super Falcons players would serve a broader national purpose by inspiring young Nigerian girls to believe that service, sacrifice, and excellence are valued and rewarded.

 

Chime who just concluded her grassroots football program for amateur girls in Enugu, concluded by respectfully urging the relevant government authorities to take deliberate and meaningful steps toward acknowledging the contributions of Super Falcons legends who gave their all for Nigeria, warning that history should not forget them.