An ad hoc committee of the Nigerian House of Representatives has expressed dissatisfaction with Ibrahim Gusau, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), for refusing to honor its invitation.
The committee, led by Blessing Onu, is currently investigating the non-payment of allowances to the female national soccer team, the Super Falcons. Onu expressed her disappointment at Gusau’s lack of respect for the lawmakers during a committee hearing on Wednesday.
During the lead-up to the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia, Falcons’ head coach Randy Waldrum disclosed that certain players were owed “per diem and bonuses” for two years. This revelation triggered a public outcry and potentially threatened the team’s preparation for the tournament.
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Despite the controversy, the team advanced to the championship and progressed to the second round before being eliminated by England. The global players’ union, FIFPro, criticized the NFF for failing to compensate the players for their outstanding allowances. The union pledged support to the Falcons in their dispute with the NFF and highlighted the players’ professionalism in handling the matter during the World Cup.
FIFA also committed to ensuring that the prize money for the 2023 World Cup reaches the players due to the unresolved allowance issue involving Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Onu pointed out that the NFF president deliberately ignored the committee’s invitations.
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“Nigerians are interested, Nigerians are watching,” she said.
“The girls did extremely well, and they made Nigerians proud, so we shouldn’t take this investigative hearing lightly.
“We gave an opportunity for the president of NFF to appear before this ad hoc committee. I will say invariably, he is the one summoning us — he came up with an excuse that is not as important as what we have.
“The allowances and the dues that were supposed to be paid to the female footballers — the Super Falcons and he turned it down.
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“What is more important? Is it for him to attend the FIFA Women’s Convention or to appear before this committee?
“It simply means he is taking us for granted, he is taking us for a ride and we will not tolerate it, we will not.”
Onu assured that the committee remains committed to ensuring the players receive the rightful payment of their allowances.
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