As the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s national women’s football team, find themselves facing unpaid bonuses, it’s none other than Arsenal legend Ian Wright who steps up to their defence.

With the backdrop of a significant win at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Wright challenges the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), demanding the players be paid their hard-earned dues.

• Ian Wright, the Arsenal legend, publicly requests the Nigerian Football Federation to settle unpaid bonuses to the Super Falcons.
• Head Coach Randy Waldrum discloses players’ unpaid “per diem and bonuses” from two years prior.
• Despite the internal disputes, the Super Falcons marked a significant win at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, leading Group B standings.

Arsenal Legend’s plea for fairness

Following the outstanding performance of the Super Falcons at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Ian Wright, the Arsenal legend, made a poignant appeal to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

In the wake of a stunning victory over Australia, Wright urged the NFF on Twitter, “Pay them Nigeria Football Federation.”

Unresolved financial disputes

Earlier, Nigeria’s Head Coach Randy Waldrum had made it known that the players were still waiting for their “per diem and bonuses” from two years ago.

“Up until about three weeks ago, I had been owed 14 months’ salary, and then they paid seven months’ salary,” he shared, exposing the extent of the issue.

Internal accusations

NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire had a different view of the situation.

He accused Coach Waldrum of wanting the federation to deplete its already strained resources.

At the same time, Waldrum challenged the NFF to account for the $960,000 FIFA payment intended for the country’s World Cup preparations.

A triumphant performance amidst turmoil

Despite the ongoing financial dispute, the Super Falcons have remained focused on the competition.

After initial disappointment for the African teams, Nigeria marked a significant turnaround.

Led by former Arsenal striker, Asisat Oshoala, the Super Falcons secured victory over the Matildas.

With five points from three games, the Nigerian women’s team finished in second place in the Group B standings, reaching the knockout round of the competition after a 0-0 draw with Ireland in the last group game.

Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord’s Australia topped the group after the pair starred in their 3-0 win over Canada.

In the midst of the impressive performance, Wright’s tweet adds a new level of attention to the ongoing dispute between the NFF and the Super Falcons.

The Arsenal legend, known for his outspokenness, remains committed to seeing justice served for the players.

As the Super Falcons face Ireland in their next match, the pressure is on the NFF to resolve these longstanding issues and let the players focus on the game.