BY SAB OSUJI

Maureen Mmadu, a former Super Falcons midfielder and later Assistant Coach, has spoken of her 'absolute excitement' following the conferment of 'Mother Of Nation' Merit Award on her by the Nigeria First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

"I'm excited. To say the least, I'm absolutely overjoyed by this gesture", starts the dark-skinned former Nigeria international who now runs a football academy that comprises male and female teams in Anambra State.

"My happiness is that this recognition was never through recommendation. It came directly from the First Lady herself", Mmadu said being going on to explain how it all happened.

"That week, I was training my girls team when a call came through", Mmadu said, with an emotion-filled tone.

"When I answered the call, it turned out a male voice from the other end. He introduced himself as the DG Office of the Wife of the President.

"I asked how he got my phone number and he said I should not be afraid. He added that he got my contact through my profile.

"I shuddered, told him that scams and scammers are all over the place now. He asked me to and pick my Invite. I responded that I'm not living in Abuja and that I'm in the South East.

"He asked if could send someone to come to the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja, for the Invite. I agreed but had to make some contacts to very the genuineness of the call. At the end, I sent a journalist friend in Abuja who got in touch with the 'DG' and he went and got the Invite, scanned it and forwarded it to my WhatsApp".

The footballer-turned Coach says she's pleased to be a 'Prophet recognised by her country following her contributions to the Nation through sports and efforts to break the barrier against the girl-child.

"For me, it's a reward for my dedication in helping the young one get a future through sports, football in particular.

"I hard it rough and tough getting the opportunity to play football which has brought me fame and where I'm today. So, I want to help to ensure that others don't pass through that difficult path. I want to ensure that parents allowed their girls chose their career path in life.

"So, it has been my passion, and I'm excited that my country is recognising that I've truly, passionately served served this country not only as a national team player but as well a national team coach. Now, I'm into breeding a new generation of footballers, boys and girls, for the nation".

The award night took place at the Aso Rock, Presidential Villa, Abuja, on May 25, with wives of former Heads of State, wives of ex-Presidents, wives of Governor's, wives of Ministers as well as wives of Senators in attendance.

And Mmadu who looked like an 'ant' in the presence of Elephants reveals her feelings at the August ceremony.

"It was amazing. You had wives of former Heads of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar, wife of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, wife of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, wife of ex-Governor, senators present.

"Of course, it wasn't my first time visit to Aso Rock. I've been there on four different occasions when we won the African Women's Championship and were hosted by the President.

"I remember the times of Abdulsalam Abubakar, Obasanjo, Jonathan when we won the AWC and were hosted by the President at that that time.

"So, it wasn't a case of 'stage fright' but a matter of one returning to a familiar terrain even though this time was something special because I didn't envisage it, I didn't in anyway see it coming. It just came without any lobbying or anyone's recommendation. It really goes to show that in life, whatever you do, someone is somewhere watching and taking note".