Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu has celebrated the WAFCON triumph of Super Falcons defender Miracle Usani with a generous package of ₦50 million in cash and a plot of land in the state capital, hailing her as a "pride of our soil" who brought glory to Nigeria.
The gesture, announced during a brief ceremony at the Government House in Calabar on Wednesday, recognizes Usani's pivotal role in the Super Falcons' 3-2 victory over South Africa in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final last month in Morocco.
The 24-year-old from Cross River's Bakassi Local Government Area anchored the defense, earning Player of the Match honors in the semis and widespread acclaim for her tenacity.
"This is well-deserved recognition for Miracle's sweat and sacrifice," Otu said, presenting the cheque and land title documents.
"She didn't just win a trophy; she inspired our youth and put Cross River on the global map."
Otu, a football enthusiast, pledged ongoing state support for women's sports, urging Usani to mentor emerging talents.
Overjoyed, Usani dedicated the gifts to her family and fans, vowing to "keep flying the green-white-green higher."
"This means everything – from the streets of Calabar to the pitch in Morocco, dreams do come true," she shared.
