Ondo Governor Gifts Super Falcons’ Tosin Demehin ₦30m, House Over WAFCON Triumph

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has made headlines by rewarding Super Falcons defender, Oluwatosin Blessing Demehin, with ₦30 million and a newly built house at Sunshine Estate, Oba-Ile, Akure, for her exceptional display at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which culminated in Nigeria clinching the continental title in Morocco last month.

Governor Aiyedatiwa announced these rewards on Monday, August 4, 2025, during a grand civic reception at Akure, organised for Ondo State indigenes in the victorious Nigerian squad. Also honoured at the event were the Super Falcons’ media officer, Mary Akinsola, and team secretary, Mary Oduboku, who both received ₦15 million each for their support roles during the tournament.

Describing Demehin as a model of “talent, discipline, and resilience,” the Governor saluted her defensive prowess, noting that her performance brought immense pride to Ondo State. Demehin, originally from Ilaje Local Government Area, played every minute of the tournament and netted her first senior international goal during Nigeria’s emphatic 5-0 quarter-final win against Zambia.

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Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed his administration’s commitment to youth development and sports advancement, pledging to invest further in talents and provide enabling environments for excellence, particularly in sports. He also promised robust support for Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure, aiming for their swift promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

He extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nationally recognising the Fal­cons’ success, pointing out the far-reaching positive influence of such gestures on athletes nationwide.

The ceremony, attended by top government officials, sports stakeholders, and local dignitaries, featured commendations from the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Henry Segun, and the Chairman of Ondo State Football Association, Dele Sunday Ajayi, who both hailed the Governor’s exemplary leadership in honouring local heroes as a major motivation for aspiring athletes.

Responding with gratitude, Demehin described the recognition and rewards as deeply meaningful. As a former Sunshine Queens player, she highlighted the state’s abundant potential in women’s football and called for broader support towards its continued development, emphasising that building Nigerian football is a collective responsibility.

These gestures from the Ondo State government reinforce the growing momentum for women’s sports and provide a powerful boost for youth and sports development in the state.