Nigerian international footballer Rasheedat Ajibade has disclosed that the Super Falcons are yet to receive the100,000 promised by the Federal Government following their successful campaign at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The revelation has reignited conversations about the treatment of athletes in Nigeria, particularly female footballers.
Ajibade made the statement during a recent media interaction, where she emphasized the importance of honoring commitments made to national athletes. According to her, the delay in receiving the funds and other promised benefits sends a discouraging message to the team, especially after their efforts and achievements on the continental stage.
The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s national team, have long been Africa’s most successful team, having won multiple WAFCON titles. Despite their dominance, the team has often faced neglect, lack of funding, and delayed payments—a trend that many sports stakeholders believe undermines morale and performance.
Ajibade noted that beyond the financial aspect, the recognition and timely fulfillment of promises are crucial to building trust between the government and national athletes. She stressed that such gestures reflect the country’s commitment to supporting sports development and gender equality in athletics.
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express disappointment over the delay. While some are calling for immediate action from the relevant authorities, others see it as part of a broader pattern of unfulfilled promises within Nigerian sports administration.
This incident is not the first time the Super Falcons have had to publicly demand what they were owed. In previous tournaments, the team has staged protests and sit-ins to compel the government to pay outstanding bonuses and allowances. The current situation appears to be another chapter in a long-standing issue.
Calls are growing louder for the Ministry of Sports and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to take proactive steps to resolve the situation. Stakeholders argue that the continuous mistreatment of players—especially women—could deter upcoming talents and weaken the country’s football reputation.
As the Super Falcons continue to prepare for upcoming international fixtures, Ajibade’s remarks serve as a stark reminder that commitment to athletes must go beyond words. For Nigeria to sustain its legacy in women’s football, trust, respect, and financial backing are non-negotiable.
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