Ex-players from Nigeria’s women’s national team have cautioned that the Federal Government’s unfulfilled commitments to the Super Falcons might jeopardize the team’s chances of securing an 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco and earning a spot in the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup.
During a recent meeting in Chicago, members of the United Ex-Super Falcons Worldwide voiced their worries that the Federal Government has not yet honored its commitment of $100,000, land allocations, and additional rewards for every player, one year following the team’s achievement.
Patience Avre, a former Super Falcons player based in the United States, stated that the uncertainty regarding unmet promises has impacted the morale of the players who are currently training for the tournament in Morocco.
“The former Super Falcons globally empathize with the struggles the current players are experiencing.” While they are preparing for the WAFCON, grievances about unmet promises are becoming more pronounced.
“Almost all the players have suggested to us that there hasn’t been an official announcement since last year, and no one discusses it.” The athletes refrain from voicing complaints due to the risk of being sidelined. “Avre stated that the government must encourage the players or face global shame.”
She mentioned that the former players were fervently urging the Federal Government on behalf of the current team since many ex-Super Falcons players had previously faced mistreatment.
She stated, “The reality is that Nigeria ought to have ranked among the top women’s football nations globally, but inadequate motivation over the years has hindered progress.”
The Federal Government can sufficiently recognize all individuals who have brought pride to the nation.
“All these accomplished athletes merit appropriate financial compensation as well as national accolades.” Several among us give blood, tears, and sweat without recognition. Several ex-Falcons players have passed away, while others are facing health challenges and injuries incurred while playing for Nigeria.
“Certain individuals found it difficult to commit to marriage, whereas numerous others wed quite late.” We genuinely wish for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to guarantee that both former and current Super Falcons players reap the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Similar to the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s basketball squad, D’Tigress, was also assured `$100,000 each along with housing units upon their triumph in the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket. The commitments were realized in March this year at the team’s training camp in France.
The National Sports Commission stated that the holdup in awarding the Super Falcons their monetary bonuses, land titles, and national honors certificates was a result of rescheduling the team’s training camp in preparation for the 2026 WAFCON.
Via the NSC, the Super Eagles were given their land documents and national honours certificates prior to the commencement of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
