Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau has denied knowledge of widespread unpaid allowances and bonuses reportedly owed to the Super Falcons, Soccernet.ng reports.
In a conversation with journalist Osasu Obayiuwana in Casablanca on Friday, Gusau responded to questions regarding allegations that the NFF has been owing the Super Falcons various entitlements dating back as far as 2021.
When asked directly about the situation, Gusau said:
“I am not aware of that. As far as I am concerned, we just have a little outstanding. But not up to 2021. I told the girls that they do have a representative, they can come to the NFF and they can sort it out. We have our records of what was paid to them. But when I hear of these stories and call for an investigation, you hear of a different thing.”
He added:
“I don’t know if you have been privileged to be with the team. You should speak to the administrator and get an answer from her.”
However, according to figures obtained by Obayiuwana from a source close to the team, the breakdown of outstanding payments shows a much larger figure than Gusau admitted.
Reported Super Falcons Outstanding Payments (2021–2023):
Training Camp Allowances (Per Player)
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Austria (2021): $1,000
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Canada (2022): $1,000 (Paid $500 in January 2024)
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USA (Sept. 2022): $1,000
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Japan (Oct. 2022): $1,000 (Paid $500 in September 2023)
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Mexico (Feb. 2023): $1,000
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Turkey (April 2023): $500 (Paid in Australia)
Total: $4,000 per player
WAFCON Qualifiers Camp Allowances
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Ghana Away: $300
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Ivory Coast Away: $500 (Paid $400 in September 2023)
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Ivory Coast Home: ₦10,000
Total: $300 + ₦10,000
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Outstanding
Players Reportedly Still Owed USA Camp Allowance ($1,000 each):
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Michelle Alozie
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Ifeoma Onumonu
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Charity Adule
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Yewande Balogun
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Esther Okoronkwo
Grand Total Outstanding Monies Per Player (2021–2023):
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World Cup (Allowance + Bonus): $6,000
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WAFCON (Allowance + Bonus): $3,300 + ₦10,000
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Training Camp Allowances: $3,000 (Partially paid $1,500)
Total: $13,600 + ₦10,000 per player
While Gusau insists the federation’s records show smaller amounts due, this detailed breakdown suggests a more significant debt owed to the team.
The NFF president acknowledged in the same interview that there are ongoing discussions at a high level, including talks with Nike officials over kit supply issues that also affected the Super Falcons during the current Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The situation exposes ongoing financial and administrative challenges surrounding Nigeria’s women’s national team, despite their status as one of Africa’s most successful football sides.