Demand presidential action for qualifiers
…say Falcons’ financial woes embarrassing
Super Eagles players have expressed fear that the current financial woes in the country may jeopardise Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The is sequel to the current financial crisis between the Nigeria Football Federation and the Super Falcons team that won the 2016 African Women Cup of Nations last week in Cameroon.
The Falcons staged a sit-in protest in an Abuja hotel since Tuesday demanding their entitlements for winning the tournament but NFF’s Secretary General, Muhammed Sanusi, said: “the NFF is not happy owing players and coaches, but present severe economic challenges inform that it can only continue to seek the understanding of these persons, as well as hoteliers, travel agents, management and staff until the situation improves.”
The current financial crisis is a source of worry for Super Eagles players who spoke on the condition of anonymity with New Telegraph. The players warned the leadership of the NFF and Sports Ministry not to ruin the team’s World Cup chances with the lamentation of no money.
“The NFF should set its priority right for 2017. All efforts should be channeled towards the World Cup. Our bonuses for Zambia and Algeria games have not been paid. We understand the financial situation of the country but when we have limited resources, we should utilize it well,” said a defender.
They players argued that the NFF must cut its expenses to achieve the team’s qualification. According to another player, “I don’t envy the NFF at all but they shot themselves on the foot.
I’m yet to fathom the gain of the FIFA President visit to Nigeria. All the money spent for tickets and hotel reservations of the several football federation presidents that visited would have gone a long way in solving some of these financial woes.
“When we went to Ndola, Zambia, we had many people who had no business in the team on our chartered flight.
You can’t tell us you don’t have money but you spend money lavishly on other things. We are the actors and we deserve our pay.” Also the idea of a Presidential task force has been muted in several quarters to enhance the Russia 2018 race.
“Let the Federal Government put in place a Presidential Action Team for our qualification like it was done in the past. Let funds be allocated to the World Cup qualifiers in the 2017 budget. “We have started well by topping the group after defeating Zambia and Algeria.
The next set of matches is in August next year but we must play some matches before the qualifiers. We urge the Sports Ministry and the NFF to work together because we must not ruin our chances with inadequate preparation,” said one of the young players in the team.

Be prepared, they won't pay your camp allowance and winning bonuses. Same excuses coming