No plan by Super Falcons to boycott World Cup games, says Onome Ebi

Onome Ebi, Super Falcons captain, has dismissed reports that the team plans to boycott World Cup matches in protest of unpaid bonuses.

In an interview with NFF.com on Saturday, Ebi was quoted as saying she has “no idea” of such a plan.

She said the team “never had any such conversations”, adding that the squad is focused on training.

“I have no idea where that (boycott) is coming from. We (the players) never had any such conversations as regards that; we are good with training and ready for the World Cup,” the Falcons captain said.

“The sessions have been intense, motivating and okay. The girls are in good shape, in good spirits and ready to go. The training speaks for itself as regards the mood in camp because this is what I bargained for.

“The players are meeting up with physical and tactical aspects of training; the mood is okay.”

The development comes a few days after Randy Waldrum, Super Falcons head coach, revealed that the NFF owes him seven months’ salary.

The American also said some players are owed “per diem and bonuses” from two years ago.

He faulted the team’s preparation for the World Cup, and TheCable had chronicled the crux of Waldrum’s clash with NFF.

The women’s World Cup will be hosted by New Zealand and Australia from July 20.

The Falcons have flown to Oceania for a 15-day training ahead of the tournament.

The team is scheduled to play Canada in their first match on July 21 before facing Australia six days later. The team will play Ireland in their last group game on July 31.