In a historic move, FIFA Secretary General, Fatma Samoura, announced that the prize money for the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s football team, will be paid directly to the players. This decision comes in response to the Nigerian government’s alleged irresponsibility regarding player payments.
Samoura, addressing the Super Falcons after their goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland, expressed sympathy for the hardships the players have faced. “For the first time in FIFA history, the women’s World Cup prize money will go straight to you, the players,” she stated. This announcement was met with cheering from the team, who are nine-time African champions.
The Super Falcons have been in a dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over unpaid match bonuses. Former Arsenal player and football pundit Ian Wright took to social media to support the players, demanding, “Pay them!!!!!”
The team’s manager, Randy Waldrum, has publicly criticized the NFF for issues such as unpaid wages, poor travel arrangements, and the cancellation of a pre-tournament camp. The team had to seek help from global players’ union FIFPRO.
Despite the challenges, the Super Falcons have made history by progressing at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, a first for an African team. Samoura praised their performance, stating that it brought joy to women’s football as a whole and would inspire other African teams.
This news was shared by British-Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana on Twitter, stating that Samoura had mandated FIFA’s Director for Africa, Gelson Fernandes, to ensure the players receive the money. Samoura will be leaving FIFA later this year, but will remain in her position throughout the ongoing Women’s World Cup.
As Nigerians struggle to swallow yet another, currupt-leadership-induced humilitation on a global level, observers are worried on a possible negative outcome of the ongoing PEPT case against legitimacy embattled president Tinubu, who Nigerian youths, just like the super falcons, allegedly despise and have vowed to render irrelevant
SOURCES: Gist Core Media
IMAGE: Sports Pulse
