World football governing body FIFA and the Nigeria Football Federation have sent birthday greetings to legendary Super Falcons striker Mercy Akide on her 45th birthday ob Wednesday.
FIFA wrote on their verified Twitter handle: “Marvellous by name, marvellous by nature.
“Happy 45th birthday to the first @CAF_Online African Women’s Footballer of the Year: Mercy Akide.”
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.
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.