Super Falcons To Resume Training Following Approval Of Bonuses, Wages From WAFCON Wins

Nine-time African champions Super Falcons are set to resume training on Thursday following approval of payment of bonuses and wages by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was owing the Super Falcons over $10,000 in bonuses for their victories over Botswana, Burundi and Cameroon at the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2022.

The Falcons were on the path to a 10th record-extending WAFCON win until two red cards and lost penalties impeded their progress with hosts Morocco qualifying ahead of them into the finals.

Before the semifinal loss, the Falcons were clinical against Botswana, Burundi and Cameroon despite opening loss against finalist South Africa, with the victories ensuring they will earn over $10,000 in bonus.

The semifinal finish also secured a place in the 2023 World Cup and also a third-place playoff in the WAFCON.

Although in terms of payment, they did not get anything until now.

The Falcons decided to boycott training on Wednesday until the payment is made despite a game against Zambia to determine 4th and 3rd at the continental competition.

The NFF indicated that the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development was in charge of making finances available for the Super Falcons, while the Ministry claimed that it is awaiting the approval of funds from the government.

The NFF authorities reportedly spoke with the Super Falcons to avert the protest and the Ministry has conveyed a message to the team, but the ladies have refused to train until their match bonuses and allowances have been paid. 

On Thursday afternoon, Toyin Ibitoye, the Special Assistant for Multimedia to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, confirmed that the President had approved the intervention fund requested by the Ministry, adding that the Ministry of Finance was already processing and releasing the funds.

He insisted that all monetary issues were being sorted with the approval of the allocation of the intervention fund at the very top, as requested by the Ministry for the Super Falcons. Even if he acknowledged that he was unaware of the exact figure, he confirmed that the budget covered the bonuses and allowances of the entire team.

Some hours after the confirmation, on the official handle of the Super Falcons, they tweeted that they will resume training later on Thursday evening by 7-8 pm with the first 15 minutes open to the media.

We will train by 7-8pm today at the Stade El Bechir, Mohammedia ahead of tomorrow's WAFCON 2022 third place match against Zambia. First 15 minutes open to the media. #WeCountOnYou#SoarSuperFalcons #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2022

— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 21, 2022

The Falcons will battle Zambia for a 3rd place finish which is not a totally bad thing for the 9-time Champions given their loss of Asisat Oshoala to injury.