The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s national women’s football team, are contemplating staging a protest and boycotting their opening match of the highly anticipated 2023 Women’s World Cup, According to Punch Newspaper.
Super Falcons Protest Threatens 2023 Women’s World Cup
Frustration has been building within the team after the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) informed them that their match bonuses for the tournament had been abruptly canceled.
The players, led by Coach Randy Waldrum, are expressing their discontent with the treatment they have received from the NFF, escalating tensions and threatening to undermine Nigeria’s campaign.
The Super Falcons’ dissatisfaction with the NFF stems from a series of grievances and unresolved issues.
Falcons plan protest, World Cup boycott as NFF cancels bonuses https://t.co/cYGhOPnQej
— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) July 7, 2023
Coach Randy Waldrum has been vocal about the team’s welfare concerns, leading to a public spat with the federation.
In an interview with the Whistle Podcast, Waldrum criticized the NFF’s response to his earlier comments, describing it as “childish.”
He expressed disappointment in the lack of support he has received during his tenure, claiming that the federation had never proactively inquired about the team’s needs.
The coach highlighted the financial struggles faced by both himself and the players.
Waldrum revealed that he was owed 14 months’ worth of salary until the federation recently paid seven months’ worth.
He added that some players remain unpaid for their participation in the summer series in the United States two years ago.
This dire situation has left Waldrum deeply frustrated and considering resigning from his position.
One of the coach’s main grievances revolves around the funds allocated by FIFA to prepare for the 2023 Senior Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
FIFA had provided a significant sum of $960,000 to national football federations worldwide.
However, Waldrum raised a poignant question: Where is the money? The coach’s statement suggests a possible mishandling or misappropriation of the funds, further fueling the discontent within the team.
The Super Falcons’ decision to stage a strike and boycott their opening game is a direct response to the NFF’s cancellation of their match bonuses.
The players are demanding fair treatment, financial remuneration, and the respect they believe they deserve.
If the strike proceeds as planned, Nigeria’s participation in the tournament could be in jeopardy, casting a shadow over the team’s prospects and potentially tarnishing the country’s reputation on the global stage.
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