” I HAD N6000 AND KNEE INJURY IN 3 WAFCON FINALS”, SAYS MARTHA TARHEMBA
byAn ex- Super Falcons of Nigeria star , Martha Tarhemba has lamented getting just N6,000 transport fare and a career ending knee injury after helping the country to win three Africa Woman Championship,now WAFCON titles .
The U S based Tarhemba said she is full of regrets as she and some of her ex- Falcons mates have nothing to show for dominating Africa beside featuring in the FIFA Women’s World cup and Olympic games.
She has considered the present generation of Super Falcons players extremely lucky to have been adequately appreciated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
” From Minisolta I say a big shout out to the young Super Falcons players for making Mission X real in Morocco. I’m really proud of them. They are extremely lucky for the Presidential reception and largesse from our dear President Tinubu.
In my time, there was no appreciation or support from government, NFF or anyone. I won three African titles ,played in second round of FIFA Women’s World cup and was at the Olympic games. I have nothing to show for years of training and competing.
” I was not allowed to leave camp with my jersey after getting N6,000 transport fare . My football career ended with a fatal knee injury I sustained in Super Falcons camp.
“That pain is still affecting my movement and other activities till date. It would cost me forty Thousand dollars for the much needed surgery. I don’t have such money as I have been struggling to survive in the states here as a single parent.
“My little earnings goes into upkeep of my three kids. This knee injury hurts me physically and emotionally.I shed tears when I see my pictures in Nigerian colours”, lamented the former Simbiat Abiola Queens of Abeokuta and Pelican Stars of Calabar playmaker.
While applauding President Tinubu for setting the pace in reward system, Benue Statev born Tarhemba who recently lost her mother has pleaded with the Presidency to spread same fatherly love to past winners of WAFCON.
“Yeah President Tinubu has proved a different leader, correcting the wrong of the past.Many ex Super Falcons are suffering. National Sports Commission and Nigeria Football Federation officials should help us appeal to our father Tinubu to also make us happy.
“Our pacesetting records should be supplied by sports officials. Kudos too to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu (our Mama ) for giving fresh hope to Women “, Tarhemba said with a solemn tone
