Nigeria’s Super Falcons head into their decisive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C clash against Egypt carrying more than just the pressure of qualification. Behind the scenes, growing frustration over an unpaid Federal Government cash reward has become a major talking point within the squad.
According to sources close to the team, several players remain disappointed that the promised $100,000 cash reward announced after Nigeria’s triumphant 2024 WAFCON victory has yet to be paid, despite repeated assurances from football authorities.
The Super Falcons secured their record-extending 10th African title after coming from behind to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final.
Upon returning to Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration hosted the team and announced generous rewards, including $100,000 for each player, $50,000 for each coach and backroom staff member, alongside residential apartments at the Renewed Hope Estate in Abuja.
While the players recently received allocation documents for the promised houses, the cash component of the reward remains outstanding.
A team official, speaking anonymously, revealed that the prolonged delay has left many players frustrated, especially after months of being told that payment was imminent.
“We’ve continued to hear that the money will be paid soon, but we’ve been hearing the same thing since December,” the official disclosed.
The source also revealed that senior members of the squad recently persuaded their teammates against taking drastic action before Nigeria’s opening match against Malawi.
“The players only want clarity. They deserve to know exactly where things stand instead of receiving the same assurances repeatedly,” the official added.
When contacted over the issue, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sports, Anthony Adeboye, reportedly said he was outside the country and would respond later.
Qualification Hopes Rest on Egypt Clash
Nigeria now face a must-win encounter against Egypt as they attempt to secure a place in the WAFCON quarter-finals.
The Super Falcons began their campaign with a shock defeat to tournament debutants Malawi, leaving themselves with little margin for error. They responded impressively by edging Zambia 1-0 despite playing much of the contest with 10 players after defender Tosin Demehin was sent off.
That victory has kept Nigeria’s qualification hopes alive, but the Falcons now require a convincing win over Egypt, with a three-goal margin likely needed to progress from Group C.
Although Egypt have already been eliminated after heavy defeats to Zambia and Malawi, the Nigerian camp is taking nothing for granted.
Head coach Justin Madugu will also have selection headaches ahead of the crucial fixture. Demehin is suspended following her red card against Zambia, while midfielder Jennifer Echegini will miss the match after accumulating two yellow cards in the group stage.
Madugu is expected to reshuffle his lineup once again, with Christy Ucheibe tipped to partner veteran defender Osinachi Ohale at the heart of the defence after impressing in an unfamiliar centre-back role against Zambia.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade is expected to lead the midfield alongside Toni Payne, while Halimatu Ayinde could also be drafted into the starting XI as Nigeria look to produce the commanding performance needed to keep their title hopes alive.
