FIFPro release statement on behalf of Nigeria after World Cup defeat to England
Global players union' FIFPRO have released a statement on behalf of the Nigeria Women's National team confirming they will assist the players in an ongoing dispute with their Football Federation.
The Super Falcons were one of many teams to impress at this summer's FIFA Women's World Cup Down Under as they progressed from a difficult group involving co-hosts Australia, Olympic Champions Canada and debutants the Republic of Ireland to reach the knockout stages. In doing so, they held Canada to a 0-0 draw and beat the Matildas 3-2.
Their World Cup journey came to a heartbreaking end on Monday as they succumbed to a 4-2 loss against England on penalties. Nigeria shut out the European Champions across 120 minutes of action and were the better team for large spells.
Following their tournament exit, attention now returns to the ongoing dispute with the federation surrounding pay, some of which dates back to 2021. Manager Randy Waldrum revealed in a podcast before the World Cup that he's owed seven months' wages and some players in the squad haven't been paid in two years.
"Following the Nigeria women's national team's elimination from the FIFA Women's World Cup, FIFPRO can confirm it is assisting players in a disagreement with the Nigeria Football Federation concerning bonus payments, camp allowances and expenses, some of which date back to 2021," the statement from FIFPRO reads.
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"During the World Cup, the players expressed the desire to remain focused on their performance without making public statements or facing other distractions. However, the Super Falcons believe that it is now time for the Nigeria Football Federation to honour their commitments and pay the outstanding amounts.
"The team is extremely frustrated that they have had to pursue the Nigeria Football Federation for these payments before and during the tournament and may have to continue doing so afterwards. It is regrettable that players needed to challenge their own federation at such an important time in their careers.
Nigeria players celebrate their victory after the end of the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup Group B football match against Australia (Photo by PATRICK HAMILTON/AFP via Getty Images)"FIFPRO will continue to work with the players to ensure their contractual rights are honoured and the outstanding payments are settled."
Nigeria are one of a number of teams at this World Cup in dispute with their respective federations over pay. England's Lionesses are currently at a stalemate with the FA over bonus payments and the team made their frustrations public before the tournament got underway last month.
Parents of players in the Jamaica squad had to crowdfund in order to get the team to Australia and New Zealand and cover the costs of travel, food and staff support. Despite it being the most prestigious tournament in the women's game, many nations still face an ongoing fight for pay and resources.
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