U17WWC bronze winning Flamingos still waiting for Aminu Balele’s $10,000 pledge 

By Wale Mustapha

Weeks after winning the third place prize at the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, the Nigeria’U17 side are still waiting to receive their compensation from the Nigeria Football Federation official, Aminu Balele.

The Flamingoes defeated Germany on penalties after both sides settled for 2-2 in normal time to make history as their best ever finish at the age grade tournament.

Chairman of NFF’s Task Force on youth national teams, Alhaji Balele made a pledge of $10,000 to reward the girls for their efforts at a reception organised for the team by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

Weeks after the promises were made, it has not come to fruition as the players have been in anticipation for the pledges since November.

A dummy cheque of three million Naira promised by Super Eagles’ captain, Ahmed Musa was presented to the team on their arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

It is not clear if the cheque has been transformed to cash by the donor and paid to the team.

Coach of the team victorious Flamingoes, Bankole Olowookere was asked if the pledges have been redeemed and said only the players can answer this stating that he knows nothing about the pledges.

Information reaching Nigeriafootball.ng had it that the players are expressing displeasure and disappointment with the development as the NFF  has not also say anything in that regard.

Effort to reach Balele and Ahmed Musa to clear the air about the pledges were fruitless as they were not available for comments.