Federal Government Clarifies Position on Super Falcons’ WAFCON Bonuses and $100K Promise
- The Federal government insists the Super Falcons have been paid their WAFCON 2024 bonuses despite contrary claims
- Promises made by President Tinubu, including $100k reward and housing, are also being worked on by the commission
- Sports Commission stresses commitment to correcting past mistakes in player welfare
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The Federal Government has addressed widespread speculation regarding the Super Falcons’ bonuses following their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Through the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC) boss, Bukola Olopade, the government strongly denied reports suggesting that the African champions had not been paid their bonuses.
Source: Twitter
Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, Olopade reiterated that the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had settled all due payments, except for a few players who experienced technical delays with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“I know authoritatively that all their bonuses have been paid without going into the figures. Apart from a few whose accounts had issues with the CBN, these players have been paid,” Olopade stated.
The clarification comes after team captain Rasheedat Ajibade reportedly hinted that the team had yet to receive their financial rewards.
Olopade, however, dismissed this, insisting Ajibade’s words were taken out of context and warning against putting her in a position where she would need to deny statements she never made.
$100k from Tinubu still in the works
Following Nigeria’s record-extending 10th WAFCON title, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a series of rewards for the victorious team.
Source: Twitter
Each player was promised $100,000, while technical crew members were set to receive $50,000.
In addition, the President bestowed on all players and staff the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honour, alongside a furnished three-bedroom apartment in the government’s “Renewed Hope” housing estate.
While these promises are yet to be fulfilled, Olopade reassured Nigerians that the government remains committed to honouring them.
“Even my own daughter, when I make promises to her, she has to wait for me to go through the system. It will be paid,” he said,
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Olopade added that consultations were ongoing between the Sports Commission and the Ministry of Housing to fast-track the delivery of the apartments.
Government committed to players’ welfare
Olopade also used the opportunity to emphasise the government’s determination to correct the shortcomings of previous administrations.
The NSC boss says the commission is intentional about ensuring players are not denied their entitlements, especially after representing Nigeria on the global stage, Soccernet reports.
The Super Falcons, under head coach Justin Madugu, won their latest continental title after winning five of their six matches, including a remarkable comeback display against Morocco.
Ajibade, who was named WAFCON 2024 Player of the Tournament, has since called for more investment in football infrastructure to help Nigeria compete with the world’s elite.
For now, the government has assured that while the bonuses have already been paid, the $100k presidential reward and housing package remain on course for delivery.
Shehu Sani reacts over bonus row
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Former Kaduna Senator Shehu Sani has voiced concerns after the captain of Nigeria’s women's national team (Super Falcons), Rasheedat Ajibade, revealed in a trending interview that they are yet to receive the $100,000 cash gift from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ajibade voiced her frustration in a snippet of the forthcoming episode of ‘With Chude’ hosted by popular on-air personality Chude Jideonwo, released on Thursday, August 14.
Source: Legit.ng
