House of Reps summon NFF president over the issue of unpaid match bonuses of the Super Falcons.

The House of Representatives has once again summoned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the issue of unpaid bonuses to the Super Falcons.

What happened
The Nigerian women's national team dazzled at the just concluded FIFA Women's World Cup, and although they crashed out in the Round of 16, losing to eventual finalist England, they put up a memorable performance.

They went through the group stage undefeated and beat co-hosts Australia. They also put the Three Lionesses through the wringer, with the Sarina Wiegman-led side needing penalty shootouts to overcome the record Awcon winners.

This remarkable outing was, however, marred by alleged bonuses owed to the players by the NFF.

The Super Falcons were used as an example by many of the flaws of the women's game, with many calling for the Federation to pay the players what they are due.

The issue is still very much in contention and has gotten the attention of the legislative arm of government, leading them to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the matter.

NFF president summoned
According to a report by Pulse Nigeria, the president of the federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, was summoned to appear before the committee of representatives on August 17, but he failed to show up.

The chairperson of the ad hoc committee set up to investigate the matter, Blessing Onu, accused the president of frustrating their efforts.

She also walked out on the secretary general of the federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, who was in attendance, and cited ill-health as the reason for Gusau's absence.

“Nigerians are interested; Nigerians are watching. The girls did extremely well, and they made Nigerians proud, so we shouldn’t take this investigative hearing likely,” she said.

“We gave an opportunity for the president of NFF to appear before this Ad hoc committee, I will say invariably he is the one summoning us.

“He came up with an excuse that it is not as important as what we have. The allowances and the dues that were supposed to be paid to the female footballers, the Super Falcons and he turned it down.

“What is more important is for him to attend the FIFA Women Convention or to appear before this committee

”And even at that, he has the effrontery to send his SA that he won’t be able to make it, it simply means he is taking us for granted, he is taking us for a ride and we will not tolerate it we will not.”

According to the Guardian, some unnamed lawmakers who are members of the ad-hoc committee accused the chairman of the House of Reps Committee on Sports, Ekene Adams, of conniving with the NFF president.

The lawmakers claim Adams told Ibrahim Gusau not to show up for the hearing.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/super-falcons-reps-summon-nff-over-unpaid-match-bonuses-2023082320182278469