The Super Falcons have qualified for their final group match at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with maximum points, but once again, unpaid bonuses and allowances have raised concerns and is affecting preparations.
Despite their strong performance on the pitch, reports show that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is yet to settle outstanding payments owed to the players. These include match bonuses, training camp allowances, and other entitlements dating as far back as 2021.
During a press session in Casablanca, Morocco, on Saturday, journalist Osasu Obayiuwana asked NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, if the players were receiving their payments during the tournament. Gusau replied:
“We are in talks with the federal government of Nigeria. I’m confident that all money due to the players will be released soon. For now, we are giving daily allowances while we wait for funds. I can assure you that all payments will be made before the end of the tournament.”
However, when asked if debts from earlier years had been cleared, Gusau said only a small amount remained unpaid and denied that the issue went back to 2021.
But documents obtained by Obayiuwana from sources close to the team reveal a different story. The breakdown shows that each player is owed over $13,600 and ₦10,000, covering various tournaments from 2021 to 2023.
Breakdown of Reported Unpaid Allowances
Training Camps (2021–2023):
•Austria: $1,000
•Canada: $1,000 (only $500 paid in January 2024)
•USA: $1,000
•Japan: $1,000 (only $500 paid in September 2023)
•Mexico: $1,000
•Turkey: $500 (paid later in Australia)
Total Unpaid Camp Allowance: $2,500 per player
WAFCON Qualifiers:
•Ghana (Away): $300
•Ivory Coast (Away): $500 (only $400 paid)
•Ivory Coast (Home): ₦10,000
Total: $800 + ₦10,000
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup:
•Camp Allowance: $1,300 (only $1,000 paid)
•Match Bonuses:
•Canada (Draw): $1,500
•Australia (Win): $3,000
•Ireland (Draw): $1,500
Total World Cup Unpaid: $6,000
Grand Total Owed Per Player: $13,600 + ₦10,000
Notably, players such as Michelle Alozie, Ifeoma Onumonu, Charity Adule, Yewande Balogun, and Esther Okoronkwo are among those reportedly still owed full allowances from the 2022 U.S. tour.
“Same Promises Every Time”
When asked if the NFF’s promise to settle all WAFCON payments before the tournament ends could be trusted, Super Falcons midfielder Jennifer Echegini remained calm, saying the team was focused on winning, not the money.
Still, fans and analysts recall how the Falcons boycotted training ahead of the third-place match against Zambia in the 2022 WAFCON, also held in Morocco, due to similar unpaid entitlements.
With another promise from the NFF and no clear evidence of payment, the issue of unpaid bonuses continues to overshadow the achievements of Nigeria’s women’s team.
The Super Falcons drew their match against Algeria Sunday in Casablanca in a top-of-the-table clash in Group B, securing a place in the quarter finals where they will clash with the Zambian side, and are hoping to keep their winning momentum despite the growing financial concerns behind the scenes.
But commentators insist that the country must must rise to the occasion and do the needful, if only to encourage the young ladies to continue to do the nation proud.
