CEO Fantaxtik and founder of Inspire Football Life Network, Benson Chukwueke, explains why FIFA had to backtrack on its pledge to pay Super Falcons players direct to their bank account.
"Yeah, it would have been nice to pay players direct to their bank account, but you see FIFA is a federation of federations and FIFA president cannot take such decision unilaterally without member associations agreeing on such terms."
Fans across the world have been sending blunt messages to Nigeria Football Federation on social media after the Super Falcons historic qualification to the round of 16, placed second in Group B without losing a match at the ongoing 2023 Women's World Cup co-hosts Australia and New Zealand.
Nigeria's preparations for the tournament were shrouded in chaos with threats of a boycott and reports manager Randy Waldrum could have been sacked before a ball was even kicked. Waldrum was in dispute with the federation over unpaid wages, poor travel arrangements and the cancellation of a pre-tournament camp.
Players were also reportedly willing to boycott their opening game against Canada after they were informed they won't be paid tournament match bonuses, with the federation pointing to FIFA's announcement players will be paid at least $30,000 for taking part and monies will be paid direct into the players' account
Although, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has since backtracked on the pledge and said the prize money will still be distributed to the federations and the governing body is only asking for a portion of that money to go to the players. "We have issued recommendations, but we are an association of associations," he said. "So whatever payments we do will be through the associations, and then the associations will make the relevant payments to their own players."
Regardless of any disruption or disputes, Nigeria have delivered on the biggest stage of all. After they qualified for the round of 16, placed second in group B with five points, one win and two draws, the only team that did not lose a game in the group.
The Super Falcons dramatic 3-2 win over co-hosts Australia means they're the first African nation to win at this tournament and to reach the round of 16 for the second World Cup in a row.
Following Falcons gripping win in Brisbane, the rather recalcitrant fans who has now come to stand up for the Super Falcons' players, called on NFF to pay the players what they owe them. Many in their social media reactions, felt bad that FIFA had to backtrack on the direct payment plan, saying NFF doesn't deserve to even touch the prize money.
Report had it that for playing in the Round of 16, the players are due to receive $60,000 (about NGN45.7million) each. "We are watching you" one of the fans reacted, "you must pay every one penny to these ladies."
