By Daniel Edu
Tensions have escalated between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) in a dispute over unpaid bonuses and allowances owed to the Super Falcons, dating back to 2021.
Following the elimination of the Super Falcons from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, FIFPro issued a statement confirming that the players had lodged complaints with the federation regarding the outstanding payments. The players conveyed their commitment to pursuing these payments without boycotting any matches during the World Cup.
FIFPro’s statement underscored, “While the World Cup was ongoing, the players expressed their intent to maintain their focus on their performance without making public statements or facing distractions. Nevertheless, the Super Falcons feel it’s now imperative for the Nigeria Football Federation to fulfill their obligations and settle the overdue amounts.”
The statement expressed the team’s frustration at having to persistently demand these payments from the NFF before and during the tournament, and potentially after the tournament as well.
In response, the NFF dismissed FIFPro’s involvement as an overreaction, referring to it as a “storm in a teacup.” The NFF clarified that once FIFA releases the funds for the World Cup, the players would receive compensation for friendly matches, qualifying matches, appearance fees, and bonuses they are entitled to.
The NFF reminded that they initially negotiated terms with the players, but FIFA’s enhanced package led to contentment among the players. The NFF indicated that the players would have received more had they advanced further in the tournament. For instance, reaching the quarter-finals could have earned players $90,000 each, and progressing to the semi-finals would have provided even higher rewards.
The dispute highlights the financial complexities and negotiations that often accompany international sporting events, particularly regarding bonuses and compensations for athletes.