FIFA Women’s World Cup: FIFPRO Sends Warning to NFF Over Payment of Super Falcons Players

• The Super Falcons had threatened to boycott their game against Canada at the FIFA Women's World Cup
• Nigeria's women's coach had also lamented unpaid salaries as well as unpaid player wages and bonuses
• FIFPRO has since released a statement saying it will ensure the Super Falcons players receive their dues

The world union of professional footballers, FIFPRO, has warned that it will ensure all Super Falcons players are paid their bonuses, allowances and entitlements in full.

Days before the kick-off of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Nigerian women's team threatened to boycott their first game against Canada over unpaid wages.

Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum, also demanded accountability from the Nigeria Football Federation over funds released to the squad for their preparation for the tournament.

The girls went ahead to honour their games and after a hard-fought victory over co-hosts, Australia, FIFA secretary-general, Fatma Samoura visited the team to assure them they would receive their dues, as Daily Post reports.

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NFF scribe, Aisha Falode, then stated that FIFA could only pay players through the federation but now FIFPRO has stepped forward to ensure the Nigerian women's team is paid.

A statement on Twitter reads in part:

"Following the Nigeria women’s national 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 mentioned how players had wanted to remain focused on their performance at the tournament without making public statements or creating 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."

FIFPRO's statement also mentioned the team's frustration with having to pursue the NFF for payments both prior and during the tournament, and possibly afterwards.

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"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."

Michelle Alozie forgives Lauren James

Meanwhile, Sports Brief reported on Super Falcons defender, Michelle Alozie brushing off the foul by England's Lauren James during their World Cup round of 16 match in Brisbane.

The Chelsea winger was sent off for deliberately stamping on the Nigerian star in the 84th minute of the knockout game and later apologised for the moment of sheer hotheadedness.