The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has brushed off a statement from FIFPRO, the world body of professional footballers, which urged the Federation to fulfill its obligations to the Super Falcons’ players.
According to the NFF, an initial agreement had been reached with the players regarding their earnings for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
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However, FIFA introduced a new payment structure that pleased players from all participating teams.
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The NFF emphasized that it doesn’t require FIFPRO’s intervention to honour the promises made by both FIFA and themselves.
They regarded FIFPRO’s statement as an attempt to seek attention.
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The NFF recounted their prior negotiations with players and how FIFA’s revised offer was met with satisfaction among the team members.
Had Nigeria beaten England and advanced to the quarter-finals, players would have been entitled to $90,000 each instead of the current $60,000.
Advancing to the semi-finals could have resulted in at least $165,000 for fourth place or $180,000 for third place per player.
Commending the team for reaching the Round of 16 and competing valiantly against England, the NFF acknowledged the remarkable record of not losing a single match in regulation time, a notable achievement for an African team.
The NFF clarified that their relationship with the players was not contentious.
The players had been assured of payment for friendly matches and qualifying matches, where appearance fees and bonuses were owed.
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The NFF pledged to release the funds once the World Cup earnings are received.
Challenging FIFPRO to assume genuine responsibility, the NFF urged the organization to address substantive issues rather than evading them.
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Surprisingly, FIFPRO lacks a representative body in Nigeria despite the passage of years.
The NFF dared FIFPRO to establish an affiliate body in Nigeria, staffed by individuals who understand the African context, to advocate for Nigerian players and genuinely represent their interests.
