Reported by: Puis Althea | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former players of Nigeria's senior women's national team have issued a stark warning that unfulfilled promises by the Federal Government could derail the Super Falcons' ambition of winning a record-extending 11th Women's Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco and securing qualification for the next FIFA Women's World Cup. Members of the United Ex Super Falcons Worldwide, who gathered for a recent meeting in Chicago, United States, expressed shock and dismay that the government has yet to honour the pledges of $100,000, land, and other rewards made to each player following their historic triumph at the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco over a year ago. The ex-internationals, speaking through their representative, former striker Patience Avre Odeli, on Tuesday night, warned that the growing frustration over broken promises is taking a toll on the current squad as they prepare for the crucial tournament.
Avre, a multiple African Women's Championship winner, revealed that the morale of the players currently training in Morocco is dangerously low, with complaints over unfulfilled promises becoming increasingly louder. "The United Ex Super Falcons players Worldwide feel the pain present players are facing," Avre said on behalf of the group. "They may be training, before WAFCON starts but the complains over unfulfilled promises, are getting louder. Virtually all players hinted us that there has not been official statement since last year and nobody talk about it. Players don't complain for fear of being dropped." She appealed directly to the government to act swiftly, warning that the current situation could lead to international embarrassment for the country. "The government should ginger the players or risk international embarrassment," Avre declared.
The ex-players are making a passionate plea not only for the sake of the current squad but also because they have experienced similar neglect in the past. Avre lamented that Nigeria, which should be among the best women's football nations, has been consistently held back by poor motivation and a lack of appreciation for the sacrifices made by its athletes. "The truth is that Nigeria should have been among the best women football playing nations but poor motivation in several past years have been an affront," she stated. She underscored the immense personal sacrifices made by players, noting that some shed blood, tears, and sweat, and that many former Falcons have died or are suffering from illnesses and injuries sustained while fighting for national honours. "Some could not settle down to marry while many married very late," she added, highlighting the profound personal cost of their service.
The group expressed hope that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu would ensure that both past and present Super Falcons players benefit from the administration's "Renewed Hope" agenda. "All such successful players deserve proper financial reward beside national honour," Avre said. The warning from the ex-stars comes at a critical juncture, as the current Super Falcons are preparing for the 2026 WAFCON, which kicks off on July 26 in Morocco, with qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup also on the line. The failure to honour the rewards promised by the Federal Government, which included $100,000 cash and a house for each player, has been a persistent source of tension, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade having previously confirmed that the team had not received the payments.
The concerns raised by the ex-players echo a long-standing pattern of neglect and broken promises that has plagued Nigerian women's football for decades, as many former players have also been left without recognition or compensation for their contributions. As the Super Falcons seek to add another continental title to their illustrious history and secure their place on the global stage, the former stars have made it clear that the government must act decisively to restore the players' morale and ensure that the nation's footballing heroes are not left to suffer in silence.
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