The House of Representatives has resolved to intervene in the dispute between the female national football team, the Super Falcons, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Olumide Osoba (APC-Ogun) at plenary on Wednesday.

Presenting the motion, Mr Osoba said that there was a need for necessary action to prevent the planned boycott of the FIFA World Cup by the female national team, the Falcons.

“I am concerned about the potential embarrassment and negative impact on Nigeria’s reputation if the planned protest and boycott proceeds without intervention, as witnessed in previous incidents involving the national female basketball team.

“There are historical instances of non-payment of salaries, allowances, and bonuses, as well as the arbitrary dismissal of players within the Nigerian women’s sports teams,” he said.

The lawmaker described the situation as embarrassing, expressing concern over the treatment of athletes. 

“Aware that the Super Falcons have threatened to boycott their opening game on July 21, resulting in potential embarrassment for the government and jeopardising Nigeria’s participation in the tournament,” he said.

Mr Osoba said the commitment of the footballers was unquestionable, as they had represented Nigeria with honour and achieved remarkable success in international competitions.

The lawmaker said it was sad that the authorities neglected the footballers, leading to low morale.

The house urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to pay the players the outstanding match bonuses and allowances ahead of the tournament.

In his ruling, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas emphasised the importance of smooth participation by the team at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. 

He urged the sports committee, once inaugurated, to take immediate action. 

Mr Abbas directed the committee to invite the NFF and other relevant stakeholders to provide a comprehensive report on the measures taken to address the dispute and ensure the seamless and successful participation of the team at the upcoming tournament.

(NAN)