Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has rewarded Super Falcons defender, Miracle Usani, with ₦50 million, a plot of land in Calabar, and an appointment as the state’s Sports Ambassador for her role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Governor Otu announced the gesture on Wednesday during a reception in his office in Calabar, describing the Yakurr-born star as an inspiration to women and a symbol of pride for the state and the nation.
“We are very happy to have you here today. Your determination and spirit have blown me away. You’ve proven that what a man can do, a woman can also do, and even better,” Otu said. “You are not just an international personality today, but a symbol of pride for Cross River, Nigeria, and Africa.”
Reflecting on his own youth as an athlete, the governor commended Usani’s resilience and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalising sports in the state to nurture future champions.
“We have a very determined Commissioner for Sports who is doing a great job. Our sports system has structural challenges we are correcting, but with stories like yours, we are confident the future is bright,” he noted.
Describing sports as “no longer a pastime but a serious commercial venture,” Otu urged young people to draw inspiration from Usani’s success, assuring that his government will continue investing in talent development.
“Today we celebrate you so that other children can see that there is hope,” he said. “You have brought honour to this state, and we will continue to follow your progress proudly.”
Presenting the rewards, the governor said, “We have agreed on ₦50 million and a plot of land in Calabar for you. You are now on our VVIP protocol list. Whenever we have official state events, you’ll be part of us as our Sports Ambassador.”
In her response, Usani, who plays for Edo Queens FC, expressed gratitude to the governor for the recognition, recounting her challenging path to football success.
“My journey wasn’t easy. Growing up, people told me that girls who play football become masculine and won’t get married. There was no female team where I grew up, so I played football with boys. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined,” she said.
The defender, who also represented Nigeria at the 2022 FIFA Women’s World Cup, dedicated her success to God, her parents, and the people of Cross River State, adding that the honour would motivate her to achieve even more for the country.