Aisha Falode, a member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Board, has spoken and perhaps cleared the air on the stories making the rounds that the world football governing body (FIFA) would directly pay the players of the Super Falcons their World Cup bonuses, contrary to the usual norm of paying such through the football house.
It will be recalled that the social media was awash with a clip of FIFA General-Secretary, Fatma Samoura addressing the players after the 0-0 draw against Republic of Ireland.
The Senegalese was quoted in the video as saying: “I know that things have been tough. We have to face the realities of Nigeria. It pains me a lot. It is because of you (the Super Falcons) that, for the first time, the prize money has been ring-fenced in the history of FIFA to ensure that it goes to you,” the FIFA secretary-general said.
However, Falode has now cleared the air concerning the statement, saying the payment will go through the NFF and not directly to the players.
The Edo-born administrator said in an interview with a Lagos-based radio station on Wednesday morning.
The Super Falcons have enjoyed a stunning start to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, winning one and drawing two matches in the group stage to qualify for the round of 16.
Randy Waldrum-led side will face England on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
