| The Falconets are finally back in Nigeria after their | | | | football career dwindle or should they have any |
| impressive performance at the just concluded FIFA | | | | permanent disability while playing football. Education |
| U-20 female championship in Germany. The Nigerian | | | | would make them come out of the shackles of |
| team came second behind the host team which | | | | ignorance and become much more relevant in the |
| emerged eventual winners. | | | | country's scheme of things. |
| The team was received back in the country on | | | | When they are educated, they would be able to |
| Tuesday 3rd August 2010 by Nigeria's first lady, Mrs. | | | | manage wealth and they would be employable. They |
| Patience Jonathan. The team was hosted to a warm | | | | could become administrators, governors, lecturers, |
| reception and dinner during which the first lady | | | | ministers, presidents, etc. George Opong Weah has |
| announced the award of scholarships to all members | | | | gone back to school because of the political challenge |
| of the team up to the university level. | | | | he got from Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf during his bid to |
| Some people felt the government would have done | | | | become the president of Liberia. Despite his |
| better by giving them monetary rewards or by | | | | popularity as former African, European and world |
| buying shares for them in companies like the Lagos | | | | footballer of the year, he lost the election to a |
| state government did for the U-17 team which | | | | woman because of his poor educational background. |
| conquered the world in South Korea in 2007. | | | | So awarding scholarships to the Falconets is a step in |
| In as much as I do not disagree with the people's | | | | the right direction. Football should not be synonymous |
| opinion, I wish to say that the government has done | | | | with illiteracy anymore; it should be a place for |
| remarkably well by awarding scholarships to the | | | | professionals like Doctors, Engineers, Nurses, |
| ladies; but what is still needed is that the government | | | | Accountants, Surveyors, etc. Education would earn |
| should add some monies to this to make the girls | | | | them more respect and value, and also create a |
| fully empowered. We should remember that while in | | | | future for them. |
| school, they need to feed themselves and take care | | | | Nevertheless, a little more incentives should be added |
| of miscellaneous expenses. We should also not forget | | | | to it to make their classroom experiences more |
| that it is very expensive, to take care of girls than | | | | enjoyable. They should be able to study under a |
| boys because of their numerous needs. | | | | comfortable environment and feel relaxed to enjoy |
| However, giving these girls a scholarship would ensure | | | | the dividends of the scholarship. |
| they have something to fall back on, should their | | | | |