The Super Falcons of Nigeria had refused to leave their hotel in France after they were due to leave following their 3-0 loss to Germany in the on-going FIFA Women’s World Cup.
According to ESPN, they were protesting because of their owed bonuses from two games, against Gambia and Senegal, from as far back as two years ago, amounting to N2m (about $5,600).
Their protest which was widely reported attracted the attention of NFF and FIFA.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnick told ESPN that all the outstanding allowances of the Super Falcons have been paid, that it was only a misunderstanding between the body and the footballers.
Pinnick was quoted as saying, “As far as we are concerned, that is a non-issue as the bonuses they are asking for have been paid. The problem is that the players wanted to be paid the bonuses for home matches in US dollars, but that is no longer the rule under this government. All transactions for home games must be paid in naira.”
Meanwhile, FIFA stepped in on after the players missed their transport to Paris and subsequently their flights, and the NFF were told that any further expenses incurred by the team’s continued stay would be deducted from their participation fee.
It is gathered that the ladies have since ended their protest and left their hotel in France. The players are expected to arrive in Abuja on Monday.
