Two weeks after her death, the loss of former Super Falcons star Ifeanyi Chiejine at the young age of 36 continues to baffle, both in terms of cause and reaction in Nigeria.
No cause of death has been released, and the Nigeria Football Federation previously said it had no idea she was sick, but ESPN has been told that she had been unwell for a while.
Yinka Kudaisi, who played with Chiejine, painted a sobering picture of the midfielder’s deteriorating condition from as far back as last year.
“We met at a friendly match last year organized by Coca-Cola and I wasn’t happy when I saw her,” Kudaisi told ESPN.
“She was looking so old. She told me that she has been battling with sickness. She even told me that her hair was falling off.
“I told her to come out so that her friends can see her and know what’s up with her and help her.
“After the friendly game, I reminded her again. But she didn’t come and that was the last time I saw her.”
If the fact of Chiejine’s death was sad, the lack of ceremony preceding, during, and after her funeral was even more doleful. While the press rallied to report her death, what followed was glaring in its minimalism.
The funeral itself, organized within a week of her death, was marked by the absence of top sporting officials or government representation, with next to no mention in the press of her storied but short career.
For the record, Chiejine was the first captain of the Nigeria Under-20 team, a side that won an Africa Games gold medal, and played in three Women’s World Cups and two Olympic Games.
For a player who was part of the defining moments of Nigerian women’s football, including reaching the quarterfinals of the 1999 World Cup, the lack of recognition presented a desolate look of a patriot discarded.
Chiejine is the first to pass on from that legendary Super Falcons class of ’99, which set the tone for what the team would be and has gone on to become. The core of that team had won the first African Women’s Championship in 1998 and qualified for the World Cup in 1999. The team went on to win further African titles in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006, and qualified for the Olympic Games again in 2004
At the 1999 World Cup, their exuberant flamboyance and talent saw them earn two group stage wins, losing only to eventual champions U.S., against whom they were impudent enough to take the lead before falling 1-7. They were knocked out by Brazil in the quarters, the South Americans winning 4-3 in extra-time.
Those two victories not only earned them a place at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, but also secured their place in Nigerian football folklore.
They were the team that established women’s sport as a serious undertaking in Nigeria, and opened the door to women’s football on the continent.
That team brought Nigeria together at a time when the Super Eagles were at the beginning of a downward slope after the heroics of 1994. The Falcons dominated African women’s football in a swashbuckling fashion never before seen, and still yet to be repeated.
Such was the heights of the bar they set that most of the players of that generation stand favorably alongside the men’s Class of 1994. Captain Florence Omagbemi is still the longest-serving captain of both national football teams.
Forward Mercy Akide set scoring records and became the first African international to play collegiate and professional football outside Nigeria, and she remains the only such player inducted into two Halls of Fame in the U.S.
Goalkeeper Ann Chiejine is the stuff of legend after competing at the 2000 African Women’s Championship while pregnant. And Nkiru Okosieme, she of football royalty — her father and brother were both internationals — was one of the most accomplished midfielders in history, playing in four Women’s World Cups and captaining the side while still a teenager.
Despite their accomplishments, members of this squad have received little or no rewards for their service. Unfortunately for them, they excelled at a time when former president Olusegun Obasanjo instituted a policy, subsequently reversed, of presidential handshakes for sporting achievements.
That meant that at the height of their powers, all they received as reward was a literal handshake and a smile, and maybe a small bonus that would be scoffed at today.
And while the current generation of players have failed to hit the dominant heights that the Class of 1999 scaled at world level, they have also been given national awards when their forebears have not been so honoured.
Chiejine is the first member of that squad to pass on, but the second of this generation, after Ajuma Ottache, who joined the team around 2004.
The circumstances leading to her death — and that of Ottache, for whom help came too late — must raise questions about what Nigeria needs to do for that generation of players. Are there any more who are suffering in silence? Are there those who need help? Rehabilitation?
A few played until they could barely walk, just so they could make a few extra dollars or Naira. Many have emigrated, including the likes of Patience Avre, Eberechi Opara, Okosieme, Omagbemi and Prisca Emeafu.
The lack of representation at Chiejine’s funeral is a lasting slight on the team, and one that must be rectified urgently. Chiejine — and other members of that team, including their coaches led by Ismaila Mabo — must be given national honors and rewarded for their service to Nigeria.
Editor’s Note: The author, Colin Udoh, is married to Mercy Akide, who is referenced in the report.
Striker Ifeanyi Chiejine featured for Nigeria in FIFA Female World Cup
최고의 비트 코인 카지노
October 13, 2021 at 4:31 am
This is my first time visit at here and i am genuinely happy to read everthing at alone place.
벳365
October 13, 2021 at 5:22 am
I think this is among the most important info for me.
And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on some general
things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is really nice :
D. Good job, cheers
blizzard entertainment
October 13, 2021 at 5:29 am
Hello I am so grateful I found your site, I really
found you by accident, while I was researching on Google for something else, Regardless I am here now and
would just like to say thank you for a fantastic post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all
at the moment but I have book-marked it and
also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot
more, Please do keep up the awesome work.
レオベガス 出金 遅い
October 13, 2021 at 6:08 am
Informative article, just what I was looking for.
샌즈카지노
October 13, 2021 at 6:57 am
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without
a doubt donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking
and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward
to new updates and will share this site with my Facebook group.
Talk soon!
Titanium earrings
October 13, 2021 at 7:12 am
Highly descriptive post, I loved that bit.
Will there be a part 2?
바카라카지노
October 13, 2021 at 7:58 am
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I
stumbleupon everyday. It will always be useful to
read content from other authors and practice something from their web sites.
ทาง เข้า w88 ล่าสุด
October 13, 2021 at 12:38 pm
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which
makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did
you hire out a developer to create your theme? Exceptional work!
007카지노
October 13, 2021 at 2:04 pm
I wanted to thank you for this wonderful read!! I definitely loved
every little bit of it. I have you book marked to look at new stuff you post…
cách chơi mậu binh
October 13, 2021 at 5:40 pm
Howdy! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I
really enjoy reading through your articles. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects?
Thanks!
パズドラ ルーレット
October 13, 2021 at 5:47 pm
I like the helpful information you provide for your articles.
I’ll bookmark your weblog and test again right here frequently.
I’m somewhat certain I will be informed lots of new stuff proper here!
Good luck for the following!
game đánh bài online
October 13, 2021 at 7:15 pm
Excellent article. Keep writing such kind of information on your blog.
Im really impressed by your site.
Hey there, You’ve done an incredible job. I’ll certainly digg
it and in my opinion recommend to my friends.
I’m sure they will be benefited from this web site.
벳365
October 13, 2021 at 8:00 pm
Incredible quest there. What occurred after? Take care!
casino live
October 13, 2021 at 8:03 pm
Admiring the time and energy you put into your blog and in depth information you provide.
It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed material.
Wonderful read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
bible gateway
October 13, 2021 at 8:06 pm
Right now it sounds like BlogEngine is the preferred blogging platform
available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
우리카지노
October 13, 2021 at 8:14 pm
This info is priceless. How can I find out more?
massagem sensual leacute_sbica 카카우 에 잭
October 13, 2021 at 8:37 pm
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this outstanding blog!
I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking
and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this website with my Facebook group.
Chat soon!
tsladydujour 숭배 나의 작은 퍼키 18 년 된 가슴
October 13, 2021 at 8:39 pm
Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog website?
The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright
clear concept
ビットカジノ
October 13, 2021 at 9:17 pm
Quality content is the secret to invite the viewers to go to
see the web page, that’s what this web site is providing.
Online Casino
October 13, 2021 at 9:30 pm
Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just
your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and everything.
However think about if you added some great photos or videos
to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent
but with images and videos, this site could definitely be one of the best in its field.
Amazing blog!
윌리엄힐
October 13, 2021 at 9:52 pm
Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures
on this blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a
problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Genesis Casino
October 13, 2021 at 10:33 pm
My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was totally right.
This submit truly made my day. You can not imagine just how a lot
time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
live roulette
October 13, 2021 at 10:45 pm
Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!
Very helpful information particularly the last part 🙂 I
care for such info much. I was looking for this particular information for a very long time.
Thank you and best of luck.
online cricket betting sites
October 13, 2021 at 11:25 pm
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much
about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other
than that, this is excellent blog. A fantastic read.
I’ll definitely be back.
퍼스트카지노
October 13, 2021 at 11:30 pm
This is a topic which is close to my heart…
Take care! Where are your contact details though?
live casino games
October 13, 2021 at 11:43 pm
Hi mates, good article and good urging commented at this
place, I am really enjoying by these.
원엑스벳
October 13, 2021 at 11:51 pm
Asking questions are genuinely good thing if you are not understanding anything completely, except this paragraph presents fastidious understanding even.
Payday loans
October 14, 2021 at 12:02 am
It’s fantastic that you are getting thoughts from this post
as well as from our dialogue made here.
ktm merchandise online
October 14, 2021 at 12:19 am
You’re so interesting! I do not believe I have read through something like this before.
So nice to find somebody with some original thoughts on this subject.
Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This site is something that is needed on the internet, someone
with some originality!
บาคาร่า
October 14, 2021 at 12:29 am
It’s very effortless to find out any topic on net as compared to books,
as I found this post at this web page.
10cric login
October 14, 2021 at 12:39 am
Interesting blog! Is your theme custom made or did
you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours
with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog jump out.
Please let me know where you got your design. Cheers
คาสิโนสด
October 14, 2021 at 12:49 am
When someone writes an post he/she maintains the idea of a user in his/her mind that how
a user can be aware of it. So that’s why this paragraph is outstdanding.
Thanks!
gay video chat
October 14, 2021 at 1:33 am
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit
and sources back to your website? My blog site is in the exact same area of interest as yours and
my users would definitely benefit from some of the
information you present here. Please let me know if this
ok with you. Thank you!
Titanium ore
October 14, 2021 at 1:34 am
That is a great tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere.
Brief but very accurate info… Appreciate your sharing
this one. A must read post!
베트웨이
October 14, 2021 at 1:52 am
Howdy this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or
if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to
get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be
greatly appreciated!
wager bonus 1xbet
October 14, 2021 at 2:29 am
This post will assist the internet visitors for building up new webpage or even a blog from start
to end.
titanium rings
October 14, 2021 at 2:59 am
Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just
extremely fantastic. I actually like what you’ve acquired
here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it.
You make it enjoyable and you still take care of
to keep it wise. I can not wait to read far more from you.
This is really a wonderful site.
カジノ ディーラー
October 14, 2021 at 8:51 am
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good.
I do not know who you are but certainly you’re going to a
famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
roulette
October 14, 2021 at 8:54 am
When someone writes an piece of writing he/she retains the thought
of a user in his/her mind that how a user can know it.
So that’s why this article is amazing. Thanks!
ak magazine
October 14, 2021 at 9:45 am
Do you have any video of that? I’d want to find out some additional information.
game xóc đĩa
October 14, 2021 at 10:20 am
Unquestionably imagine that that you said. Your favourite reason seemed to be at the net the simplest factor to bear in mind of.
I say to you, I definitely get annoyed whilst people consider concerns that they just do not
recognise about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and outlined
out the whole thing without having side effect , folks could take
a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thank you
ジパング カジノ 登録 ボーナス
October 14, 2021 at 10:32 am
Good way of telling, and good post to get facts about my presentation focus,
which i am going to present in school.
카지노사이트
October 14, 2021 at 12:55 pm
I’m not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic.
I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
Thanks for great information I was looking for this info for my
mission.
내 혀를 가리키는 이웃 내 혀를 가리키는 이웃
October 14, 2021 at 1:55 pm
Your way of explaining the whole thing in this post is actually pleasant,
every one be capable of effortlessly understand it, Thanks a lot.
솔레어카지노
October 14, 2021 at 2:04 pm
Every weekend i used to pay a quick visit this website, as i want enjoyment,
as this this web site conations truly fastidious funny data too.
카메라 비디오 재생 chaturbate kathy march 25 2020 01 31 15
October 14, 2021 at 2:13 pm
Asking questions are in fact good thing if you
are not understanding something totally, except this article offers pleasant understanding even.
이 게시물을 즐겨찾기로 설정atilde_o ao vivo para mas de mil personas
October 14, 2021 at 2:23 pm
I have been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or
blog posts on this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this
site. Studying this info So i’m happy to convey
that I have an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed.
I such a lot without a doubt will make certain to don?t disregard this website and give it a glance regularly.
우리카지노
October 14, 2021 at 2:29 pm
Wow, that’s what I was searching for, what a material!
present here at this webpage, thanks admin of this site.
small window curtains
October 14, 2021 at 2:56 pm
I’ve been browsing online more than three
hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like
yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all web
owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful
than ever before.
ライブカジノ
October 14, 2021 at 3:22 pm
Hello there I am so grateful I found your site, I really found you by
error, while I was browsing on Google for something else, Anyhow I am
here now and would just like to say kudos for a remarkable post and a
all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also included
your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more,
Please do keep up the excellent b.
우리카지노
October 14, 2021 at 3:48 pm
Hi there, I enjoy reading all of your article post.
I like to write a little comment to support you.
slots
October 14, 2021 at 3:49 pm
I could not refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!
솔레어카지노
October 14, 2021 at 9:03 pm
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all folks you actually recognise
what you are talking approximately! Bookmarked.
Kindly additionally discuss with my web site =). We
can have a link change arrangement among us
goleiro 트랜스 se pelando
October 14, 2021 at 9:50 pm
I really love your site.. Great colors & theme. Did you develop this site yourself?
Please reply back as I’m attempting to create my very
own blog and want to learn where you got this from or exactly what the theme
is called. Cheers!
the golden child
October 15, 2021 at 1:03 am
Hey There. I discovered your weblog using msn. That is a really well written article.
I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more
of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.
솔레어카지노
October 15, 2021 at 3:28 am
Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your post seem to be running off the screen in Chrome.
I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post
to let you know. The style and design look great though!
Hope you get the issue solved soon. Thanks
코인카지노
October 15, 2021 at 3:57 am
Unquestionably believe that which you stated.
Your favorite justification seemed to be on the web the simplest thing to be aware of.
I say to you, I certainly get irked while people think
about worries that they just don’t know about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having
side-effects , people could take a signal. Will probably be back to
get more. Thanks
outlook web app
October 15, 2021 at 5:53 am
Very good blog post. I absolutely love this site.
Stick with it!
retractable baby gate
October 15, 2021 at 6:01 am
Its like you read my thoughts! You appear to understand a lot approximately this, like you
wrote the e book in it or something. I think that you simply could do with some p.c.
to drive the message house a bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic blog.
A fantastic read. I will definitely be back.
Titanium ore
October 15, 2021 at 8:12 am
I do not even understand how I stopped up right here,
however I believed this put up used to be good.
I do not realize who you’re but certainly you are going to a famous blogger should
you are not already. Cheers!
cable advertising networks
October 15, 2021 at 8:14 am
When I initially left a comment I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I receive four
emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is
an easy method you can remove me from that service? Kudos!
legend transportation
October 16, 2021 at 10:35 am
Hello Dear, are you actually visiting this web page on a regular basis, if so afterward you will definitely obtain good experience.