FIFPRO confirms intervention in Super Falcons, Nigeria FA recurring bonus row

By Saheed Afolabi

The global players union for professional football players, FIFPRO has confirmed its interest in the bonus and allowances row between Nigeria players and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Before the commencement of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the NFF had vowed that it will not give the Super Falcons a dime in allowances or bonus considering the players will be getting a startup group allowance of thirty thousand dollars each from FIFA and the money doubles after qualifying for the knockout stage.

The players outrightly protested against the move by the NFF but went on to play and defend the country’s colors.

FIFPRO, however confirmed their involvement in assisting the FAbiodun in getting their deserved right which includes bonuses, camp allowances and other expenses.

“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,” FIFPRO said.

“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.”

The world players union said the players are tired of chasing the NFF over unpaid bonuses as they assured the Falcons of fighting on their behalf to get their bonuses.

“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.

“It is regrettable that players needed to challenge their own 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, the institution allayed.”

This is rather a huge slap to the face of NFF as FIFA general secretary, Fatma Samoura made it known to the Falcons that it was because of them players allowances will be paid directly to their account.