‘They take us as if we are fools’–Super Falcons players express frustration over unpaid World Cup wages

The Super Falcons of Nigeria established themselves as a formidable team to recon with at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Super Falcons players have raised concerns over the non-payment of their dues by the Nigeria Football Federation, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to information from The Athletic, one Super Falcons World Cup player voiced her disappointment regarding the unpaid bonuses that the team has been fighting to receive.

Earlier, reports suggested that Nigeria’s female players were considering boycotting their first World Cup match against Canada due to these payment issues, although the boycott did not materialize.

It is evident that the players are dissatisfied with the treatment they have received in relation to their payments, which has also been a source of tension with coach Randy Waldrum, who had previously criticized the situation.

Despite the passing of six weeks since the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the involvement of FIFPRO, it has been revealed that none of the Super Falcons have received compensation for their impressive performance at the tournament.

“We disagreed, we told them ‘no.’ You can’t come and tell us you’re not paying us our match bonuses… How can you tell me FIFA included your match bonus (in its money)? They take us as if we are fools, as if we don’t know anything, as if we don’t know our rights,” one player stated.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria progressed from the group stage undefeated but were eliminated in the round-of-16 by England in a penalty shootout.

Considering the players’ exceptional performance, it is surprising that they have not been compensated for their efforts.

However, one player emphasized that their motivation comes from within and their commitment is not to the football governing body but to their country, themselves, and their families.

A player said: “We’re not playing for the federation; we’re playing for ourselves, playing for our country, playing for our families,

“We love football, we have a passion for it… and that passion is what gives us that drive.”

For their Olympic women’s qualification, Waldrum’s team is scheduled to face Ethiopian women on the 23rd and 31st of October, hoping to continue their successful run.