The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is facing renewed criticism after six members of the Super Falcons squad remain without their luggage, three weeks after returning from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco.
The row began when ValueJet, the airline contracted to fly the victorious team back to Nigeria, reportedly told the NFF they could only carry 60 bags.
According to an investigation by The Athletic, corroborated by Nigerian journalist Calvin Emeka Onwuka, the missing bags have yet to be returned to their owners.
According to our investigation, speaking to some of the affected players who do not want to be named, there is deep disappointment within the players affected.
They say the NFF “don’t really care” about their plight and that after three weeks it has been “stories upon stories” with no resolution.
Photo Credit: CAF
Journalist Osasu Obayiuwana said he spoke to an NFF insider about the situation:
“They (at the secretariat) are just telling me all sorts of stories. One minute, they say the luggage has arrived. Another minute, they say something different.
It would have been cheaper and more efficient to have sent someone to Morocco on an economy class ticket, pay the excess charges, and bring it home.
“As we speak, the players are back at their bases in America and Europe. When the luggage eventually arrives, whenever that is, how do we get it to them? All that is happening is caused by how the secretariat is running the team’s affairs. It’s just a mess and I am fed up.”
The players still waiting for their belongings include Ifeoma Onumonu, Rasheedat Ajibade, Toni Payne, Folashade Ijamilusi, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Deborah Abiodun.
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Onwuka said the affected players have remained quiet “because they know how easy it is to be victimised”.
The NFF has not responded to the allegations.
The episode adds to growing concerns about the NFF’s handling of player welfare, coming just weeks after the team’s continental triumph.
In a recent interview, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade also raised another welfare issue.
Speaking on the upcoming episode of With Chude, hosted by Chude Jideonwo, the 24-year-old confirmed the team is still waiting for the $100,000 reward announced by President Bola Tinubu after their historic 10th Wafcon title in Morocco in July 2025.
President Tinubu alongside captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie at the Aso Villa. Photo Credit: X
“We have not received our money oo. Please, they have not paid. All the promises you heard back and forth, we have not received anything,” she said.
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Ajibade added that players had been told the funds had been allocated but insisted no payments had reached them.
“People are begging. We have not received it. When they pay it, you will see. Even our match bonuses and everything everything is still a work in progress,” she said.
Rasheedat Ajibade. Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
The Super Falcons defeated Morocco in a dramatic final 3–2 to win their 10th WAFCON title.
President Tinubu conferred Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honours on each player, alongside a three-bedroom apartment at the Renewed Hope Estate in Abuja and $100,000 in cash.
Members of the technical crew were awarded $50,000 each.
