Abiodun Splashes N50m On Super Falcons, Whilst Owing Ogun Athletes NSF, NYG Cash Rewards
ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun may have incurred the wrath of athletes that represented the state during the National Sports Festival and National Youth Games in Asaba following his cash gift of N50 million to the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
Governor Abiodun on Monday doled out the sum of N50million on the rich star-studded Super Falcons who are billed to play the second leg of the WAFCON Qualifier against Amazons of Benin Republic in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
Recall that the same Super Falcons received ₦30 million from the governor on June 3, 2025, after playing a friendly match against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in Abeokuta.
This gesture came barely three days after Ogun State’s senior athletes had won medals for the state at the 22nd National Sports Festival, yet many of those athletes are still awaiting their promised rewards after winning 93 gold, 65 silver and 81 bronze medals for the state.
According to a report by The Punch newspaper, some of the athletes who represented the Gateway State at the National Sports Festival have allegedly been gagged and threatened not to grant interviews or speak publicly about the unpaid rewards, a move that has further deepened frustration and resentment within the state’s sports community.
But Governor, while meeting the players and officials in his office at Oke-Mosan on Monday night, said the gifted money was to motivate the players to victory.
Governor Abiodun, during the meeting, noted that the second coming of the Super Falcons at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena is a validation of the fact that the state government is doing something right.
While the governor’s generosity towards the Super Falcons is commendable and reflects his passion for sports, it raises genuine concern about fairness and priority.
Ogun’s homegrown athletes who toiled, trained, and brought honour to the state continue to feel neglected, wondering when their own efforts will be recognized and rewarded, particularly the kids that travelled by road for several hours to and fro Delta, for the National Youth Games (NYG) without receiving any monetary support or benefit.
Since true leadership begins with fairness and consistency.
It is often said that charity begins at home, and in this case, Governor Abiodun must ensure that the athletes who fly Ogun’s flag at national competitions are not left behind while outsiders receive instant appreciation.
The Ogun State government should, therefore, do the needful, fulfill its promises to the state’s athletes, redeem all outstanding cash rewards, and restore confidence in the state’s commitment to grassroots sports development.
Many now fear that if the situation is not addressed, Ogun State may face a mass withdrawal of athletes from future events a move that could dent the state’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s strongest forces in grassroots sports development.
