OGUN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi and Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo have celebrated the holiday season by spreading Christmas joy through significant acts of charity across Nigeria.
The football stars reached out to vulnerable communities with separate philanthropic initiatives, providing essential support and cheer during the festive period. Both players have been widely praised for using their platforms to give back to their roots and assist those in need.
Awoniyi, who is currently in England with Nottingham Forest due to club commitments, reached thousands of households through the Taiwo Awoniyi Foundation as its annual Christmas outreach targeted Ilorin, Kwara State, and neighbouring communities.
The initiative focused on easing the burden on families struggling with economic hardship, ensuring they had access to basic food items during the celebrations.
Volunteers of the foundation distributed thousands of relief packages containing staples including rice, semovita, spaghetti, noodles, tomato paste, salt and other essential condiments. Widows, elderly residents and low-income families gathered at distribution points, where the atmosphere was marked by gratitude as recipients received their Christmas food boxes.
Speaking on behalf of the striker, foundation representative Suleiman Atunrase said the outreach reflected Awoniyi’s strong ties to his home state and his desire to give back to the community that shaped his career.
He explained that the Nottingham Forest forward believed success only had meaning when it positively affected others, adding that the goal was to ensure families could enjoy a decent meal during Christmas.
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“Taiwo believes that success is only meaningful when it impacts others,” Atunrase stated.
“He understands the importance of this season, and his goal is simply to put a smile on people’s faces and ensure that every family can enjoy a decent meal this Christmas.”
The food distribution forms part of a wider philanthropic programme by Awoniyi, which has previously supported education, healthcare and youth sports development.
In Abia State, Okoronkwo took a more personal approach by surprising residents with cash gifts on Christmas Day.
In a video shared on social media, the Canada based forward was seen handing out money to motorists, traders, shoppers and pedestrians on the streets of Umuahia.
Each recipient received a cash gift of N200,000, with the footballer captioning the video, “Merry Christmas.”
The gesture followed a highly successful year for Okoronkwo, who played a key role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. She was named Woman of the Match in the final and later emerged as the Super Falcons’ Fans’ Player of the Tournament, performances that earned her a state honour from Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
Their acts of generosity form part of a wider trend of Nigerian athletes and celebrities giving back to their communities during the festive season, reinforcing their connection to home while using their success to bring relief and joy to those in need.