Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has rewarded Super Falcons defender and Yakurr-born star, Miracle Usani, with a cash prize of ₦50 million, a plot of land in Calabar, and an appointment as the state’s Sports Ambassador following her role in Nigeria’s victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The governor made the announcement during a reception held in his office on Wednesday, describing Usani’s achievement as a source of immense pride for the state and a symbol of women’s excellence in sports.

“We are very happy to have you here today. Your determination and spirit have blown me away. You have proven that what a man can do, a woman can also do, and even better. You are not just an international personality today, but a symbol of pride for Cross River, Nigeria, and Africa,” Otu said.

Governor Otu, who recalled his youthful days as an athlete, praised the resilience and discipline that sports demand. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reviving the state’s sports sector and nurturing young talents.

“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.

He described sports as a thriving commercial industry capable of driving youth empowerment and economic development, urging young people to draw inspiration from Usani’s success.

“Today we celebrate you so that other children can see that there is hope,” the governor said.

Presenting the reward, Otu confirmed the incentives and officially listed Usani among the state’s VVIP protocol members.

“We have agreed on N50m 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,” he said.

The governor also encouraged sports stakeholders to continue supporting emerging athletes while assuring sustained government investment in youth development.

In her remarks, Usani, who plays for Edo Queens FC, expressed deep gratitude to the governor and people of Cross River for the recognition. She recounted her early struggles in pursuing football, often having to play with boys due to the lack of female teams in her community.

“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 in Uke where I grew up, so I played football with boys. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined. Today, I’m proud to represent Nigeria and Cross River at the highest stage,” she said.

Usani, who also featured for Nigeria at the 2022 FIFA Women’s World Cup, dedicated her success to God, her parents, and the people of Cross River State.

“What God cannot do does not exist. You have brought honour to this state, and we will continue to follow your progress proudly,” Otu added.