On Wednesday, August 8, 2023, the World Player Union, The Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels (FIFPRO), issued a statement on its social media channels in support of the Super Falcons of Nigeria in its dispute against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), requesting that the country’s federation honor their commitments to pay outstanding match bonuses, camp allowances, and expenses to the players just after they were knocked out of the Fifa Womens World Cup.
Background
It became public just before the start of the 2023 World Cup that the NFF owed Coach Randy Waldrum a salary backlog of roughly 7 months and the Super Falcons player’s match bonuses, camp allowances, and costs since 2021. This became public knowledge when Coach Randy Waldrum revealed these details in an interview with On The Whistle Podcast, earning him the very unsuitable moniker “blabbermouth” from NFF’s Director of Communications Department, Demola Olajire.
With the World Cup on the horizon and the Super Falcons’ first game versus Olympic Champions Canada as the primary priority, the girls agreed to put their demands aside and focus all of their energies on the World Cup.
Why is FIFPRO Involved?
The NFF is notorious for owing match bonuses and allowances, and there are anxieties about players not being paid the $60,000 sum given to each player by FIFA for competing in the World Cup, to be paid through the Federation. The players union, FIFPRO’s involvement isn’t unsurprising given that the organization’s principal responsibility is to ensure the welfare of its 66 member associations’ players.
FIFPRO’S Statement:
Following the Nigeria women’s football 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.
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 honor their commitments and pay the outstanding amounts.
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 afterward. 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
With this statement from FIFPRO, the Super Falcons have the right backing to get their entitlement and all eyes are on NFF to do the right thing.
Who has spoken?
The FIFPRO statement elicited a strong reaction from Super Falcons player Asisat Oshoala who shared the exact statement released by FIFPRO on her page. Super Eageles player Victor Oshimen replied with the statement, “Pay them, NFF,” while former Super Eagles player Odion Ighalo commented, “NFF never stop these things,”. Victor Anichebe also expressed his displeasure with the situation, writing “NFF pay them! They did us proud and even if they didn’t. Pay them what they are owed”.