Ex-Super Falcons star, Perpetua Nkwocha, clocked 42 on Wednesday.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) showed up just in time to celebrate one of its icons on Twitter.
Happy birthday to Africa and Nigeria Women football legend, Perpetual Nkwocha Nwufor. Thank you for the memories 🌟🌟✨✨🎇🎇❇️🎁🎁🎁 pic.twitter.com/wA0NltJ69f
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) January 3, 2018
Nkwocha enjoyed a remarkable playing career which spanned almost two decades.
The forward first appeared for the country in 1999 and never looked back afterward.
Here are five amazing facts about the birthday girl.
- Second most-capped Falcon
After her debut, Nkwocha appeared 99 times for the Falcons. The 42-year-old, who retired in 2015, is just one game shy of a century caps and two away from equalling Maureen Mmadu’s record appearances.
- Falcon’s all-time top scorer
Nkwocha may have failed to reach Mmadu’s milestone, but she actually left a lasting legacy in front of goal. With 80 strikes, Nkwocha is Nigeria’s most potent markswoman in history.
- Five-time African champion
Nigeria participated in seven CAF women’s championship with Nkwocha in the team and emerged champions on five occasions. She was, however, unable to replicate that feat in four attempts at the World Cup.
- Four-time player of the year
While she was busy wreaking havoc in opposition defence for the Falcons, Nkwocha was similarly earning solo plaudits. She was crowned African Women’s Footballer of the Year four times. The honour came in 2004, 2005, 2010 and 2011.
