The Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballers Professionnels – an international body seeing to the welfare of professional footballers has made itself available to assist the Super Falcons of Nigeria get their due entitlement from the FIFA World Cup Largesse handed to participating countries.
There have been misunderstandings on how the Nigerian players will get their money and what they are entitled to at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World in Australia and New Zealand – a situation that has led to the House Committee on Sports of the National Assembly wading in with instructions to the Nigeria Football Federation.
Recall that FIFA outgoing General Secretary, Fatma Samoura has had her say on how the money will be paid, a narrative NFF board member, Aisha Falode and Director of Communication of the nation’s football ruling body, Ademola Olajire have also had different reactions to.
In affirmation of FIFPRO’s commitment to aiding the players in resolving a dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) concerning overdue bonuses, camp allowances, and expenses, some of which trace back to 2021, the international association for professional footballers, FIFPRO, on Tuesday stated unpaid settlements affecting Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
#FIFPRO statement on behalf of Nigeria women's national team: pic.twitter.com/90zipIUWK0
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) August 8, 2023
“Following the Nigeria women’s national team’s elimination from the FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIFPRO can confirm it is assisting players in a disagreement with the Nigeria Football Federation concerning bonus payments, camp allowances and expenses, some of which date back to 2021.”
“During the World Cup, the players expressed the desire to remain focused on their performance without making public statements or facing other distractions.”
“However, the Super Falcons believe that it is now time for the Nigeria Football Federation to honour their commitments and pay the outstanding amounts.”
Expressing their deep-seated frustration, the Falcons find themselves in the unfortunate position of having to chase after the federation for these rightful payments, both during the tournament. This situation might persist even after the event concludes.
“The team is extremely frustrated that they have had to pursue the Nigeria Football Federation for these payments before and during the tournament and may have to continue doing so afterwards. Regrettably, players needed to challenge their federation at such an important time in their careers.”
“FIFPRO will continue to work with the players to ensure their contractual rights are honoured and the outstanding payments are settled.”
Having made an impressive journey to the World Cup’s round of 16, Nigeria’s women’s football team, with the backing of FIFPRO, is now asserting its demand for the national federation to “fulfil their commitments” by settling overdue bonuses and expenses.
This is not the first time the Super Falcons have confronted the federation over financial matters; The team’s preparation for this year’s tournament was overshadowed by a disagreement with their national federation regarding bonuses. Despite these challenges, they managed to overcome the adversities, securing a draw against Olympic champions Canada and a victory against co-hosts Australia.