Football stakeholders have made an appeal to the Ondo State Government, urging them to host Oluwatosin Demehin, a talented Super Falcons player hailing from Ilaje, Ondo State.
Demehin showcased exceptional performance in the ongoing Women’s World Cup held in Australia/New Zealand. The Ilaje-born defender actively participated in all Super Falcons matches until their Quarter Finals loss against England.
Otunba Dele Ologbese, the Convener of Ondo State Football Stakeholders Forum and former Secretary of Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), emphasized that the state government should honor Demehin just as other states have celebrated their athletes’ achievements in the Women’s World Cup.
It’s worth noting that Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State had previously met with four players from the state: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tochukwu Oluehi, Desire Oparanozie, and Ohale – providing them with $10,000 each and pledging them a parcel of land.
Similarly, players from Osun State, Rasheedat Ajibade and Rofiat Imuran, were rewarded by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Additionally, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu extended hospitality to players such as Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Monday Gift.
Ologbese urged the Ondo State Government, particularly the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Bamidele Ologunloluwa, to facilitate the recognition of Oluwatosin Demehin for her outstanding contributions to football and sports in general.
“The Commissioner for Sports shouldn’t pretend not knowing that her contemporaries in Super Falcons were hosted by their respective State Governments and awarded bountifully.”
He said:
“We have unsung heroes in this respect in Ondo State like Zion Ogunfeyimi who is the first Ondo State indigene to play for the national football team- Green Eagles, Kikelomo Ajayi who captained Super Falcons for many years and featured in three World Cups, Coach Wemimo Mathew who is a former international and current Coach of U-20 Female Team- Flamengos, Seun Ogunkoya the merculiary athlete, Odunayo Adekuoroye and host of others who are yet to be given needed honours.
“In the absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, we have a caring hearted and highly resourceful Acting Governor, and Sports enthusiast, Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, whom I believe wouldn’t hesitate in designing a clear cut policy on athletes motivation
“We call on Mr Acting Governor to please host Oluwatosin Demehin in his office in the next few days.”
“I’m very sure that the successful hosting of Olutosin Demehin will open door for other athletes who have brought glory to the State to be honored.”
The federal government has also taken part in hosting and rewarding players of the nine-time African champions.
Expressing their appreciation for the Federal Government’s generosity, defender Osinachi Ohale conveyed the players’ gratitude as Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, awarded $10,000 to each member of the Super Falcons team that proudly represented the nation at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, according to a report by Soccernet.ng.
“We are grateful for this unprecedented gesture because for several years we’ve been winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations(Wafcon) and I can’t remember us being honored or rewarded this way,” the veteran, Ohale told BBC Sport Africa.
“We appreciate the federal government for their support and encouragement. And we also thank Nigerians for the remarkable support during the tournament,” Ohale said
Nigeria is a country where the public appreciate good things. When you do something good, they will show appreciation, and when you don’t do well, they will still show it – they will forget the good things you’ve been doing, so that’s how it is.
I’m just happy we were able to put a smile on their faces,” she added.
Despite their elimination in the Round of 16, Nigeria made a lasting impact on the global tournament. The players’ unwavering teamwork propelled them through a challenging group that included hosts Australia and reigning Olympic champions Canada, setting the stage for a Round of 16 clash against England in Brisbane.
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In the last-16 match, the Super Falcons outperformed their European counterparts, creating numerous opportunities and enjoying better chances. However, after a goalless 120 minutes of play, they were eventually defeated 4-2 in a penalty shootout.
Football enthusiasts both domestically and internationally have lauded their remarkable performance at the World Cup, with Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, being one of the admirers. She commended the team’s “unbreakable spirit” and “unwavering strength” during a gathering at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where she hosted the team members and officials.
Her words of praise were followed by the announcement of an extraordinary reward, showcasing the unprecedented recognition of their achievements.
It is hoped that the Ondo State Government draws inspiration from this and appropriately honors a native who has brought pride to the State.