falcons

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, says the money to pay the Super Falcons who just won the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations for the 8th time is not yet available.

NFF attributes the non-availability of funds to pay the nation’s football heroines to the economic crunch in the country. Mr. Ademola Olajire, the Federation’s Director of Communications, in a statement said: “The Federation is not happy about owing players and coaches. But it can only continue to seek their understanding and those of hoteliers and travel agents, as well as its management and staff until the situation improves.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that there is a severe economic challenge in the country now and all organizations, whether government or private, are feeling the pinch. But, it is not government’s doing.

“We know we have financial commitment to the players and officials of Super Falcons, and we have not at any time stated otherwise. But the money is not readily available at the moment. I appeal to them to understand the situation of the Federation, to understand the situation of the country at the present and exercise patience.”

“We are also working to get monies outstanding from former sponsors of the national teams, to complement what we are expecting from government. “In relation to all these, we are in the process of sorting out our TSA domiciliary accounts so that we can receive our due grants from FIFA and CAF, including the $80,000 prize money from the AWCON, once it is available.

“This morning, I was reading a report that the Federation is yet to pay the Super Falcons one kobo. That is not correct. While the team was in Cameroon, the NFF sourced for money from one of our sponsors and paid the players N500,000 each and also paid the technical crew and backroom staff. Our friends in the media should make the effort to clarify whatever information they have before going to press.’’

“NFF is waiting for word from government to know when the African champions will be hosted to a state reception. The reception for the senior women national team is out of our hands. We are waiting on the Federal Government and as soon as we have confirmation of the date, we will inform the players and officials to regroup in Abuja.”