There have always been problems between the NFF and the Super Falcons as regards their payments, but the FIFA chief has promised that there will be a change
FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura has assured the Super Falcons players that they will be paid their allowances and bonuses promptly after the World Cup, Soccernet reports.
Nigerian teams, especially the Super Falcons, have always had issues with the Nigeria Football Federation on the payment of their fees.
Prior to the World Cup, there was a rift between the Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum and the NFF. In fact, coach Randy Waldrum openly criticized the NFF for their poor World Cup preparation and delayed wages.
There were talks that the team would even boycott Nigeria’s first game. However, team captain Onome Ebi quelled those talks.
Following their goalless draw against Ireland in their final group game on Monday, which sealed their second-place finish in Group B, Samoura visited the Super Falcons in their dressing room. In her chat with the players, she assured them that FIFA would ensure they get paid their monies immediately.
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“It is because of you (the Super Falcons) that for the first time in the history of FIFA, that the FIFAWWC prize money will be paid directly to you, the players.”
Fatima Samoura, FIFA Secretary-General to our girls immediately after qualifying for round 16 of the tournament pic.twitter.com/rgzjH51CTJ
— ENZO UZOR (@enzo_uzor) August 1, 2023
Samoura’s comments have caused controversy as Nigerian football journalists and fans have questioned the integrity of the NFF because of their consistent failure to pay players/coaches their salaries.
However, journalist Osasu Obiayuwana and Nigeria Women’s Football League boss Aisha Falode have clarified that FIFA will not pay the money directly to the players. Rather, the money will be sent to the NFF, who will then pay the players.
For reaching the Round of 16 of the World Cup, each Super Falcons player is expected to get $60,000.
