.....While many youths curse the system, 24 women laced up, showed up, and now stand nationally decorated for their patriotism and perseverance
By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on Nigeria’s Super Falcons and awarded them three-bedroom apartments alongside generous cash rewards, he wasn’t merely decorating footballers. He was making a national statement: Patriotism pays. Hard work speaks. Dedication delivers.
These 24 Nigerian women and their 11-man technical crew didn’t lobby for positions or cut corners to gain national attention. They didn’t wish the country failure because they felt unheard or underserved. Instead, they laced their boots, put on the green-white-green jersey, and faced one of the African football giants, Morocco, with grit, grace, and courage. Their performance at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco was not just a display of sportsmanship—it was an act of patriotic excellence.
The Logic of Loyalty and Labour
In today’s Nigeria—where many young people are understandably frustrated, and some are even tempted to renounce their citizenship or hurl abuse at their nation—it is important to remember that focus, faith, and fortitude still bring dividends.
History shows that no country is built by cynicism. Nations rise on the shoulders of men and women who believe in their soil—even when the odds are steep. Whether it’s in sports, science, arts, business, or public service, those who have chosen to persevere, stay dedicated, and be loyal to Nigeria have, in one way or another, received national and even international recognition.
The Super Falcons did not just play football. They played for Nigeria, not for individual gain but for collective pride. They carried the hopes of over 200 million citizens and performed with conviction. Their resilience—from overcoming poor preparations to standing firm against world-class opponents—was a textbook case of patriotic determination.
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Patriotism Is Not Foolishness
Critics often argue that being patriotic in a broken system is foolishness. But the Falcons prove otherwise. Patriotism is not about ignoring problems; it’s about pushing forward in spite of them. It is about believing in what your country can be, not just complaining about what it currently is.
Of course, the Falcons have had their share of grievances—delayed payments, underappreciation, and sometimes lack of proper facilities. But they didn’t let those challenges define them. Instead, they showed up, stood tall, and now, they stand decorated.
Different Faces of Reward
Rewards for patriotism and hard work don’t always come in the form of national honours or houses in Abuja. Sometimes, they come as global recognition. Consider Tobi Amusan, the world champion hurdler. Or Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, now the Director-General of the World Trade Organization. Or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who flies Nigeria’s literary flag on every continent. These are individuals who honed their skills, remained committed to excellence, and refused to be defined by Nigeria’s shortcomings.
Then, there are unsung heroes—teachers who mould minds, journalists who tell the truth, health workers who save lives in crisis zones—many of whom may never get a national medal, but whose work moves the nation forward daily. Their reward may not come in naira or honour plaques, but it comes in legacy and the quiet satisfaction that they did not give up on their country.
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A Call to Nigerian Youth
To Nigerian youths, the Super Falcons’ reward is a wake-up call: Nigeria may be tough, but it still recognizes effort. The system may be imperfect, but excellence breaks barriers. Don’t join the bandwagon of hopelessness. Be part of the solution. Be patriotic, not blindly, but boldly—believing that by contributing your quota, you make the nation better.
Be the kind of citizen who fixes, not just criticizes. Study hard. Work smart. Be honest. Be consistent. And when opportunities come, seize them with integrity.
President Tinubu’s gesture to the Super Falcons is not just a reward—it’s a message. Nigeria may struggle, but she still sees. She may be slow, but she still responds. And when her sons and daughters stand tall for her, she eventually embraces them.
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In the end, hard work and patriotism will always speak—even if the reward is delayed. The Super Falcons’ story is our national reminder that those who believe in Nigeria, and work for her good, will not be forgotten.
