The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has insisted that it has nothing to hide as it concerns the $1.7million approved by the Federal Government for the Super Falcons’ participation in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“The breakdown of all we asked from the Federal Government is there for everyone to see,” the official told SportingLife, pleading anonymity.
“At the initial stage, our request to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development captured winning bonuses for the players. But immediately FIFA came up with its $30,000 for the players, we wrote another letter to government to expunge the winning bonuses from the budget.
“Now, what we have in the breakdown is daily allowances for the players, winning bonuses and estacode for the coaches and other technical officials, as well as money for medical expenses. If there is serious medical issue concerning the players, it is the responsibility of FIFA to address it. But it is the duty of every federation to provide medicals for the players and their officials at any competition,” the official said.
In another development, NFF’s Secretary General, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, has disclosed that the Federation’s decision to approve coach Randy Waldrum’s request for a fitness trainer has paid off for the Super Falcons at the World Cup.
Sanusi said: “The technical crew requested for a fitness trainer, and we approved it. They also brought one Video Analyst, Dr. Terry Eguaje, to this World Cup, and the decision is really helping the team. The players are very fit, and I can tell you that they are fully ready for Thursday’s second group match against Australia.”
After the first round of matches, the Super Falcons remain the only African team with a draw at the event.
Thursday’s encounter between the Super Falcons and the Matildas of Australia has assumed high importance for both teams following the declaration of Matildas’ defender, Charlie Grant, that the Aussies have a good idea of how to cage the Super Falcons.