FIFPRO, the organisation responsible for the 65,000 professional footballers globally, announced the body had commenced proceedings to help the Super Falcons players resolve the financial disagreement with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The Falcons have been at loggerheads with the NFF prior to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they were recently eliminated in the round of 16 by England, over unpaid match bonuses and camp allowances dating back to 2021.

“Following the Nigeria women’s football team’s elimination from the FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIFPRO can confirm it is assisting players in a disagreement with the Nigeria Football Federation concerning bonus payments, camp allowances and expenses, some of which date back to 2021,” FIFPRO said in a statement.

“During the World Cup, the players expressed the desire to remain focused on their performance without making public statements or facing other distractions. However, the Super Falcons believe that it is now time for the Nigeria Football Federation to honour their commitments and pay the outstanding amounts.”

There were reports before the World Cup began that the Falcons had planned to boycott their first game of the tournament against Canada but the team’s captain, Onome Ebi, denied the claims and reiterated the team remained focused.

Throughout the tournament, players and coach Randy Waldrum refused to comment on the payments issues with the NFF, stating all the team’s efforts were on their on-field performance and the other issues would be addressed after the tournament.

“The team is extremely frustrated that they have had to pursue the Nigeria Football Federation for these payments before and during the tournament and may have to continue doing so afterwards,“ the statement added.

“It is regrettable that players needed to challenge their own federation at such an important time in their careers.

“FIFPRO will continue to work with the players to ensure their contractual rights are honoured and the outstanding payments are settled.”