The House of Representatives has stepped in to address the dispute between the Super Falcons and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ahead of the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Nigeria, in a bid to prevent a potential boycott of the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup, the House of Representatives has resolved to intervene in the ongoing dispute between the female national football team and the NFF.
The decision was made following the adoption of a motion presented by Rep. Olumide Osoba (APC-Ogun) during the plenary session on Wednesday.
Super Falcons dispute a cause for ‘concern and embarrassment'
Expressing his concern, Rep. Osoba highlighted the necessity of taking immediate action to avert the planned protest and boycott by the Super Falcons, citing previous incidents involving the national female basketball team. He emphasized the potential embarrassment and negative impact on Nigeria's reputation if the situation remains unresolved.
“Concerned about the potential embarrassment and negative impact on Nigeria’s reputation if the planned protest and boycott proceeds without intervention, as witnessed in previous incidents involving the national female basketball team,” stated Rep. Osoba.
“There are historical instances of non-payment of salaries, allowances, and bonuses, as well as the arbitrary dismissal of players within the Nigerian women's sports teams,
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“The situation is not only embarrassing but also raises serious questions about the treatment of athletes and the overall management of sports in our country.”
Aware of the Super Falcons' threat to boycott their opening game on July 21, Rep. Osoba underscored the potential embarrassment for the government and the jeopardization of Nigeria's participation in the prestigious tournament.
He lauded the commitment and achievements of the footballers, highlighting their remarkable success in international competitions and emphasizing their unwavering dedication to representing Nigeria with honour.
Regrettably, the neglect of the footballers by the authorities has led to a decrease in morale among the players, as noted by Rep. Osoba. The House of Representatives, therefore, urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to promptly pay the outstanding match bonuses and allowances owed to the players, ensuring their well-deserved compensation ahead of the tournament.
Following the motion, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas delivered his ruling, urging the Sports Committee to invite the NFF and relevant stakeholders to provide a detailed report on the steps taken thus far to resolve the dispute. The committee's inauguration will facilitate discussions aimed at ensuring the hitch-free participation of the Super Falcons at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
With the intervention of the House of Representatives, there is hope that the dispute between the Super Falcons and the NFF can be resolved amicably, ensuring that Nigeria's national women's football team can fully focus on their participation in the prestigious global tournament.
The eyes of the nation remain fixed on the outcome of these deliberations, as the Super Falcons continue to inspire and captivate fans with their immense talent and dedication on the field.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
