Former Super Eagles forward Azuka Izu has strongly condemned the wide earnings gap between Nigeria’s senior men’s and women’s national teams, insisting the Super Falcons deserve to be paid on the same level as their male counterparts, Footynaija.com reports.
In a message that reflects growing calls for gender fairness in Nigerian football, Izu said that the Super Falcons have more than earned their place as one of Africa’s finest football teams and should be treated with the same respect and reward as the Super Eagles.
“It’s unfair that the Super Falcons earn far less than the Super Eagles,” the ex-international said in frustration, calling attention to the inequality that has lingered for years.
He went further to highlight how the Falcons have constantly brought pride to the country on the world stage, yet still suffer from institutional neglect.
“Though the Eagles generate more revenue, that shouldn’t overshadow what the Falcons have achieved for Nigeria,” Izu explained.
His comments come at a time when pressure is mounting on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to close the gender pay gap and improve the overall welfare of the women’s national team.
As reported by the News Agency of Nigeria, football fans across the country have joined the call for fairness, describing the pay disparity as a form of injustice against a team that has consistently delivered glory.
Izu believes the issue stems from long-standing bias in favour of men’s football, despite the women’s game proving its worth time and time again.
“The Falcons’ commitment, talent, and success merit the same treatment given to the Eagles,” he said. “They bring honour to Nigeria just like the men. So why should they be rewarded any less?”
The Super Falcons are 11-time champions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the only African team to have qualified for every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the inaugural edition in 1991.
Despite this incredible record, there have been repeated complaints about the way the Falcons are treated, especially in areas such as bonuses, match preparations, facilities, and travel arrangements.
“Let’s close the gap and support women’s football more in Nigeria,” Izu urged, calling on the NFF to increase investment in the women’s team and take deliberate steps to grow their visibility and support base.
“They deserve better. They have done more than enough for this country to earn full recognition.”