NFF dismisses FIFPRO’s call for Super Falcons’ dues payment

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has brushed aside a pronouncement by the global organization of professional footballers, FIFPRO, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The statement, released on Tuesday, urged the NFF to promptly settle the outstanding dues owed to the Super Falcons players.

The Super Falcons demonstrated their prowess by advancing to the round of 16 in the 2023 FIFA World Cup, a feat that concluded with a narrow penalty shootout loss to European champions England.

The lead-up to the tournament was marred by disputes over player bonuses, which threatened to disrupt the team’s preparation.

FIFPRO’s intervention aimed to facilitate the players’ pursuit of their rightful earnings from the NFF.

Unfazed by FIFPRO’s involvement, the NFF, in a separate statement, refuted the need for external assistance, stating that it is fully committed to honoring its obligations to Nigerian players. The Federation dismissed FIFPRO’s statement as a mere attempt at seeking relevance within the ongoing discourse.

The NFF underscored that it had previously negotiated agreements with the players regarding their compensation. However, FIFA’s intervention resulted in an enhanced package, a development that reportedly left all parties content. Had the Super Falcons triumphed over England and reached the quarter-finals, each player would have been entitled to a handsome sum of $90,000. For progressing to the first knockout rounds, each member of the team will receive $60,000.

Commending the Super Falcons’ commendable performance in the World Cup, the NFF lauded their valiant efforts in the Round of 16 match against the fourth-ranked England, as well as their remarkable showing in the group stage.

The Federation hailed their record of not suffering a single loss in regulation time across four matches, deeming it an extraordinary achievement for an African team.

In response to lingering concerns, the governing body of Nigerian football clarified that it harbours no grievances with the players themselves.

The NFF assured the players before the World Cup that they would be duly compensated for their participation in friendly matches and qualifying rounds.

The NFF affirmed its commitment to releasing the long-awaited dues once the World Cup funds are disbursed.