Former Super Falcons Goalkeeper Calls For National Honours For Women’s Football Trailblazers
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Former Super Falcons goalkeeper, Judith Chime, has passionately appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to formally recognise past Super Falcons players whose sacrifices and achievements laid the groundwork for the growth and success of women’s football in the country.
In a heartfelt and strongly worded statement, Chime said her appeal is anchored on principles of fairness, national legacy, and respect for service rendered.
She observed that while Nigeria has consistently honoured excellence across 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 proudly 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 stated. “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 national team goalkeeper emphasised that many of the team’s legends endured significant hardship during their playing careers.
According to her, they often competed through pain, uncertainty, and neglect, driven solely by patriotism and a burning 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 said.
Chime questioned the fairness of allowing such historic contributions to fade into obscurity, stressing that her appeal goes beyond monetary compensation. She explained that recognition is fundamentally about remembrance, respect, and correcting a long-standing national omission.
“This is not merely an appeal for reward, but for recognition, remembrance, and respect,” she added. “A nation that forgets its pioneers risks losing its soul.”
She further noted that honouring former Super Falcons players would serve a broader national purpose, inspiring young Nigerian girls to believe that service, sacrifice, and excellence are genuinely valued and rewarded.
Chime, who recently concluded a grassroots football programme for amateur girls in Enugu, concluded by respectfully urging relevant government authorities to take deliberate and meaningful steps to acknowledge the contributions of Super Falcons legends who gave their all for Nigeria.
She warned that history should not be allowed to forget those who paved the way for the nation’s continued success in women’s football.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
