Naira rains as State government clears outstanding entitlements of Delta Queens

By Dele Ajibola

Players of Delta Queens are now smiling to the banks following the payments of their outstanding entitlements ahead of their final Group A clash with Sam Nelly of Benin in the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifiers on Friday, NigeriaFootball can exclusively confirm.

The Asaba based outfit emerged Nigerian champions for the first time in 12 years without losing a match in the entire 2022-23 season – a momentum they aim to replicate on their first outing on the continent this year, beginning with a 3-0 win over the Burkinabes in Benin City.

Despite their incredible performance on the pitch, the players and officials are struggling to access the necessary motivations to excel in their maiden regional outing on Nigerian soil.

Last week, credible sources close to the team’s camp had informed our reporter about planned boycott due to owed one-month salaries, camp allowances and bonuses for the win over USFA of Burkina Faso last Sunday.

Following the media outcry over the unpaid entitlements, the state government had swiftly intervened, halting the boycott and also boosting the morale of the players to ensure they wrap up their group stage campaign in style.

On Thursday, NigeriaFootball has now learnt that the team have received their outstanding winning bonuses, as well as July salaries plus nine-day camp allowances, covering up until Friday – matchday against Sam Nelly.

Confirming to NigeriaFootball, a Delta Queens player, who spoke on anonymity, said: “We have received our monies in our bank accounts. We do appreciate the prompt response of the management and the media for coming to our aid.”

Another player, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also confirmed, saying:” We have received our monies.”

Having fully received their entitlements, the Pearls will now fully shift their focus on thrashing Sam Nelly to seal their semifinal berth with a top of the table finish at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium this weekend.