FIFPRO Backs Nigeria's Super Falcons in Bonus Payment Dispute with NFF

On Tuesday, the World Union of Professional Footballers, FIFPRO, issued a statement on behalf of Nigeria's Super Falcons. They confirmed their intention to support the players in a dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) concerning overdue bonus payments, camp allowances, and expenses, some of which date back to 2021.

FIFPRO affirmed its commitment to collaborate with Super Falcons players, ensuring that their contractual entitlements are respected and the outstanding payments are addressed by the NFF.

This announcement follows the elimination of the Super Falcons from the Round of 16 in the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand, which occurred on Monday.

"Following the Nigeria women's national team's elimination from the FIFA Women's World Cup, FIFPRO can confirm it is assisting players in a disagreement with the Nigeria Football Federation concerning bonus payments, camp allowances and expenses, some of which date back to 2021.

During the World Cup, the players expressed the desire to remain focused on their performance without making public statements or facing other distractions.

However, the Super Falcons believe that it is now time for the Nigeria Football Federation to honour their commitments and pay the outstanding amounts.

The team is extremely frustrated that they have had to pursue the Nigeria Football Federation for these payments before and during the tournament and may have to continue doing so afterwards. It is regrettable that players needed to challenge their own federation at such an important time in their careers.

FIFPRO will continue to work with the players to ensure their contractual rights are honoured and the outstanding payments are settled."

After the Super Falcons advanced to the round of 16, FIFA's secretary-general, Fatma Samoura, announced a shift in their player remuneration policy. This adjustment was prompted by unpaid allowance matters concerning the national women's football team of the country. Samoura emphasized that the prize money would now be safeguarded to ensure players receive their rightful earnings directly, preventing any external interference.

Aisha Falode, chair of the Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL), said FIFA would still pay the 2023 Women’s World Cup (WWC) prize money through the country’s federations.

FIFPRO Africa, a segment of the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO), serves as the global representative body for athletes and consists of 66 national players associations.

In a July interview, Geremi and Kgosana Masaseng, Deputy Secretary General of FIFPRO Africa, discussed their initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of African footballers. These initiatives encompass the resolution of payment disputes, provision of comprehensive medical and financial guidance for retired players, and safeguarding young players from unethical clubs and agents.