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NSC DG Bukola Olopade clarifies situations around Super Falcons bonuses and other rewards
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has moved to clear the air on the Nigeria’s senior women’s national team’s bonus payments following controversy over the players’ financial entitlements.
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade had recently stated that the team had yet to receive the money promised for winning the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Speaking on Arise TV, Olopade maintained that the bonuses were fully paid before the Falcons’ final match against Morocco.
He noted, however, that a few players may not have been able to access their funds due to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) account issues.
“I know authoritatively that all their bonuses, without going into figures, have been paid. I confirmed this with the NFF and even with Ajibade herself — except maybe for one or two players whose accounts are with the CBN. To say the team hasn’t been paid is not true,” Olopade said.
He further cautioned against misrepresenting Ajibade’s remarks, stressing that the captain should not be portrayed as making claims she did not intend.
Olopade also reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader pledge to the team, including the provision of housing.
“It will be paid. As of a few days ago, Madam Chairwoman was still engaging the Minister for Housing. Work has begun to ensure the players receive their apartments quickly. This government fulfils its promises,” he stated.
Expressing frustration over the narrative that the Falcons had not been rewarded, Olopade described such reports as misleading.
“We deserve an apology because it is wrong — it’s a lie. Those bonuses, almost \$30,000 each, were paid even before the final match. To say otherwise is misleading.”
