Super Falcons head into their final group match at 2024 Women’s Africa cup of Nations with maximum points but once again, questions over unpaid bonuses and allowances by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have overshadowed preparations.
As match bonuses and camp allowances begin to pile up with each victory, concerns over timely payments have returned.
In Casablanca on Saturday, Journalist Osasu Obayiuwana questioned Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau about whether the players were receiving their dues during the tournament.
Gusau assured that payments were being worked out with federal authorities:
“We are talking with the federal government of Nigeria and I am sure that all the money due to the players will be released very soon.
“In the interim, we try to make sure that they are given their daily allowances before we receive money from the government. I can assure you that all their monies will be paid by the government before the end of the tournament.”
Photo Credit: X
But when asked if debts dating back to previous tournaments had been fully cleared, Gusau claimed the issue was minimal:
“I am not aware of that. As far as I am concerned, we just have a little outstanding. But not up to 2021.”
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However, a breakdown obtained by Obayiuwana from sources close to the team tells a different story suggesting the NFF owes each player over $13,600 and ₦10,000, covering unpaid entitlements from 2021 to 2023.
Unpaid Bonuses and Allowances: The Breakdown
Training Camp Allowances (2021–2023):
Austria (2021): $1,000
Canada (2022): $1,000 (Only $500 paid in Jan 2024)
USA (Sept 2022): $1,000
Japan (Oct 2022): $1,000 (Only $500 paid in Sept 2023)
Mexico (Feb 2023): $1,000
Turkey (Apr 2023): $500 (Paid in Australia)
Total Training Camp Allowance: $4,000 per player
WAFCON Qualifiers:
Ghana (Away): $300
Ivory Coast (Away): $500 (Only $400 paid)
Ivory Coast (Home): ₦10,000
Total WAFCON: $800 + ₦10,000
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup:
13-Day Camp Allowance: $1,300 (Only $1,000 paid)
Match Bonuses:
Canada Draw: $1,500
Australia Win: $3,000
Ireland Draw: $1,500
Total World Cup: $6,000
Cumulative Total per Player (2021–2023):
Training Camps: $2,500 (unpaid portion)
WAFCON Qualifiers: $800 + ₦10,000
World Cup: $6,000
Grand Total: $13,600 + ₦10,000
Super Falcons. Photo Credit: X
Notably, players like Michelle Alozie, Ifeoma Onumonu, Charity Adule, Yewande Balogun, and Esther Okoronkwo are among those reportedly still owed their full $1,000 allowance from the U.S. tour.
A Familiar Cycle of Promises
When Obayiuwana asked Jennifer Echegini if she believed the NFF’s latest promise that all WAFCON allowances would be paid before the end of the tournament, the Super Falcons midfielder was diplomatic.
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Her short but telling response: the team is focused on winning the tournament, not on money.
But history gives the players reason to be cautious. During the 2022 WAFCON also hosted in Morocco the Falcons boycotted training before their third-place playoff against Zambia over unpaid entitlements.
Despite Gusau’s vow that all payments will be made before the end of this year’s tournament, the figures suggest a deeper, systemic issue remains unresolved.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face Algeria tonight in Casablanca in a top of the table clash in Group B.
