The incumbent Governor of Imo State H. E. Hope Uzodima hosted Super Falcons players of Imo State descent while dishing out cash gifts and properties to the trio present.
The Imo State Governor had Super Falcons goalie – Chiamaka Nnadozie, veteran player Desire Oparanozie, and center back Osinachi Ohale at the State House in the capital city of Owerri, where he delivered a laudable speech and handed out the cash and land gifts.
“I have consistently maintained that Imo State and the southeast is blessed with human capital resources. Interestingly, our talents have contributed to national interest and will continue to encourage all,” the Governor said in the board room.
“I was impressed receiving Chiamaka Nnadozie, Desire Oparanozie, Osinachi Ohale, and Tochukwu Oluehi as they shared their experiences and the joy of wearing our national colors.
“The Governor also picked on Desire Oparanozie’s reaction on social media after her penalty kicks miss during the Round of 16 shootouts versus England, taking cognizance of the passion and disappointment expressed.
“When Desire reacted emotionally, on her social media account, over their exit from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, attributing it to the non-conversion of her own penalty kick.
“I was moved passionately not just for their impressive performance in the competition but, for the zeal to make the nation proud,” he added.
Governor Hope during his speech made mention of giving a plot of land each to the three players in the capital city of Owerri, alongside a cash reward of $10,000 each, both of which he ordered instant remuneration before the players left the State House to encourage the entourage.
“Thankfully, they now wear beautiful smiles even as I presented some token to them as an encouragement to do more,” he said on a lighter note.
In response to the Governor’s token, Desire Oparanozie gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the Falcons present, in appreciation of the gesture shown in spite of a “not-so-good” World Cup outing.
“In your generosity you deemed it fit to reward us after a not-so-good outing for the team, but you appreciated our performances and noting our tribal heritage from Imo State.
“We say thank you, sir,” Desire expressed.
