‘It’s time to pay Falcons’ outstanding monies’ — FIFPro calls out NFF

FIFPro, the world players’ union, has tackled the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for failing to pay Super Falcons players their outstanding allowances. 

In a strong-worded statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday, FIFPro said the Falcons are “extremely frustrated” and are ready to pursue the NFF for their allowances.

The world umbrella body for professional football players also disclosed that it will be assisting the Falcons in the pay dispute with the federation.

During the lead-up to the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Randy Waldrum, Falcons head coach, revealed that some players are owed “per diem and bonuses” from two years ago.

The development caused a stir and almost affected the preparation of the Nigerian players.

However, the team proceeded to the tournament and qualified for the second round before they crashed out to England on Monday.

In the tweet, FIFPro said the players did not make a fuss about the unpaid allowances during the World Cup so it does not affect their performance.

The union added that “it is now time” for NFF to pay the Falcons and honour the contractual rights of the players.

FIFPro added that “it is regrettable that players needed to challenge their own federation at such an important time in their careers”.

“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,” the statement reads.

“During the World Cup, the players wanted 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 honour 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 afterwards. 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.”

Earlier, FIFA had announced that every player participating in the World Cup group stage will earn $30,000

The match bonuses will increase to $60,000 in the second round of the competition.

The Falcons had qualified for the round of 16 after finishing second in group B. Every player on the team will be earning at least $60,000 for the feat.