Super Falcons’ Bonuses Paid, $100k Reward Delayed Over Currency Dispute, Says Analyst.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has settled all outstanding allowances for the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s national football team, following their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). However, a delay in disbursing the $100,000 reward promised by President Bola Tinubu has sparked controversy, with sports analyst Aron revealing that the players insisted on receiving the payment in US dollars rather than Nigerian naira, causing the hold-up.
The Super Falcons clinched their record-extending 10th WAFCON title with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against Morocco in July 2024. The team’s stellar performance prompted President Tinubu to announce a generous reward package during a reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Each player was promised $100,000, while technical crew members were set to receive $50,000. Additionally, the squad and staff were to be awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honour and a three-bedroom apartment under the government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), confirmed that all match bonuses and allowances were paid before the team’s final match against Morocco. Speaking on Arise TV, Olopade clarified that only a handful of players experienced minor delays due to banking issues with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He firmly denied reports suggesting unpaid bonuses, stating, “I know authoritatively that all their bonuses have been paid, except for one or two whose accounts had issues with the CBN.” Olopade further noted that he had personally verified this with team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who reportedly denied claims that the team had not been paid.
However, the $100,000 presidential reward remains outstanding, with Sports Analyst Aron shedding light on the reason for the delay. According to Aron, the NFF fulfilled its financial obligations by paying the allowances in naira, but the players demanded that the promised $100,000 be disbursed in US dollars. This disagreement over currency has reportedly stalled the process, as the NFF and relevant authorities navigate the logistics of meeting the players’ request. The insistence on dollars may stem from the fluctuating value of the naira and the players’ preference for a more stable currency, especially given the significant sum involved.
The delay has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans and analysts have expressed frustration, pointing to the government’s slow pace in fulfilling promises to the Super Falcons, who have consistently brought pride to Nigeria on the continental stage. Others have sympathised with the players’ stance, citing the economic realities of Nigeria’s currency depreciation. Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore weighed in, criticising the government’s reward structure as “brutally unfair” to other public servants, such as police officers, who receive significantly less despite decades of service.
Olopade, however, reassured the public that the Tinubu administration remains committed to honouring its pledges. He revealed that discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Housing to expedite the delivery of the promised apartments, with efforts underway to ensure the players receive their rewards in due course. “When we tell athletes ‘A’ will be given, they get ‘A’. We don’t play games with their remuneration,” Olopade emphasised, highlighting the government’s dedication to athlete welfare.
The Super Falcons’ triumph in Morocco, led by head coach Justin Madugu, saw them win five of their six matches, with Ajibade earning the Player of the Tournament award. The team’s success has reignited calls for greater investment in football infrastructure to maintain Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football. For now, the focus remains on resolving the currency dispute to ensure the players receive their well-earned $100,000 reward, a testament to their outstanding achievement on the global stage.