FIFA, CAF celebrates ex-Falcons star Mercy Akide at 45

World football governing body FIFA and the Nigeria Football Federation have
joined the millions of Nigerians celebrating legendary, Super Falcons striker, Mercy Akide who turns 45 today.

In a tweet via its official twitter handle, FIFA wrote: “Marvellous by name, marvellous by nature.

"Happy 45th birthday to the first CAF AFrican Women’s Footballer of the Year: Mercy Akide," CAF tweeted.

While NFF wrote: "Happy birthday Super Falcons legend, Marvellous Mercy. Best wishes.”

Akide played for clubs like Garden City Queens Jegede Babes, Ufuoma Babes, Pelican Stars Milligan College/Hampton Roads Piranhas, San Diego Spirit and Hampton Roads Piranhas, Complete Sports reports.

She was first called up to the Super Falcons camp in 1994 and represented Nigeria at three women’s World Cup in 1995, 1999 and 2003.

Also, she also helped Nigeria’s Super Falcons to three African Women Championships (AWC) titles in 1998, 2000 and 2002.

In 2001, she was named the first African Women Footballer of the Year, and was a 1999 and 2004 FIFA World All-Star.