Sports
Super Falcons Plans Protest, Boycott World Cup
The Super Falcons are reportedly considering a strike and potential boycott of their opening game in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
This decision follows an announcement by the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, stating that their match bonuses for the tournament had been canceled by the federation.
According to a source within the team’s camp, the decision was made after a meeting involving six senior players: Onome Ebi, Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Ohale Osinachi, Tochukwu Oluehi, and Desire Oparanozie which took place upon their arrival at the Mercure Resorts in Gold Coast.
A source from the camp revealed that the players are determined to push for their demands and are even willing to miss their first game against Canada on July 21 to address this issue.
The players expressed their determination to proceed with their demands, with one senior player stating to The PUNCH, “We are going ahead to press for our demands. We are ready to go as far as missing our first game against Canada July 21 because this has to stop.
“On Wednesday night, we held a meeting where we agreed that we were going to find out if what we were asking for is legitimate, and that if it’s legitimate, we will press for our demands. It was what was agreed. The next meeting will be after we get the information we need and then the protest will start.”
According to information received, prior to the Nigerian team’s departure from Abuja to Australia on July 2, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, in a meeting with the players, revealed that the federation would not be providing match bonuses.
This decision was based on FIFA’s announcement that each player would receive $30,000 during the group stage of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Furthermore, it was disclosed that the players would no longer receive the previously agreed 30% share from the $1,560,000 FIFA grant allocated to all member associations for the group stage of the competition.
According to our source, the players were taken aback and shocked when Dr. Mohammed Sanusi delivered the unexpected blow during the meeting.
The source said “The General Secretary came for the meeting clutching so many papers; he told us that we won’t be paid match bonuses at the World Cup because FIFA had already given each player $30,000 for the group stage. He also said we won’t get 30 per cent from the $1,560,000 FIFA would give the NFF.
“We were shocked, team morale went down immediately because we couldn’t believe what the man was saying.
“One of the oldest players in the team asked him if FIFA would deduct the money ($30,000) they would give us from the $1.5m they gave the federation but he (Sanusi) said no. So, she said if its like that, then it shouldn’t affect our match bonuses.
“After several minutes of argument, Sanusi asked us if we would have preferred the $9,000 match bonus or the $30,000 from FIFA.”
The Group Managing Director of GTI, Abubakar Lawal, has reiterated the desire of his company to ensure the total restructuring and repositioning of Nigerian football to match what is seen in other climes, where the game if professionally managed.
Lawal spoke after being honoured with an award at the just concluded Newstap/SWAN 5-Star Award ceremony in Lagos.
He maintained that the recognition given to him by the organisers of the event will spur him and GTI to do more for the benefit of the sports ecosystem.
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In his words, “I’m delighted that the umbrella body of sports journalists in this country, SWAN and a leading online media platform, Newstap recognized our huge investment towards reviving the Nigeria Premier Football League and the President Federation Cup. For us in GTI, this award is too dear to us and that was why I came here with my lovely wife and the GTI team to witness this auspicious occasion.
“This award will spur us to do more for the country’s elite league and our President Federation Cup because GTI is keen in uplifting Nigerian football.
“Today, is a historic day in GTI Group and I thank all who made this event possible as we have just witnessed a fantastic event that is full of glamour.”
Lawal used the opportunity to thank the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko for his efforts at reviving sports since he took office and also believing in the vision of GTI at restructuring the beautiful game in Nigeria.
“I want to thank the NSC chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi for their support which culminated in the emergence of GTI into our sports ecosystem. I also thank the media for believing in our dream of providing a lasting solution to the problems confronting our elite league and President Federation Cup.
“Our project on the NPFL is in three phases and I want to use this opportunity to state that as strategic partners to the NPFL, GTI has successfully completed our first phase of intervention in the elite league. Today, NPFL is visible globally and enjoys improved organisation cum management.
“We are now into the second phase in which we will see our clubs being managed more professionally with improved welfare for the players. This will help stem the mass exodus of our quality players to many obscure leagues in the world.
“Finally, I want to say kudos to other awardees tonight and Hon. Kunle Soname for setting the benchmark for other NPFL clubs to emulate when it comes to club management. For us at GTI, the best is yet to come,” he concluded.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have begun preparations for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, with key players already arriving at the team’s camp.
Super striker Victor Osimhen, along with Bruno Onyemaechi, Papa Daniel Mustapha, and goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, were the first to join the squad.
A video shared on the team’s social media handles showed the quartet arriving at Kigali International Airport in the Rwandan capital, where they were received by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle and other team officials.
READ ALSO: WCQ: Chelle Unveils Super Eagles’ 23-Man Squad (Full List)
The early arrivals mark the beginning of what is expected to be an intense buildup to Friday’s clash, as Nigeria seeks to revive their World Cup qualification hopes.
Osimhen, who has been in superb form this season, is expected to lead the attack as the Super Eagles aim for their first win in the qualifiers.
Currently, Nigeria sits in fourth place in Group C with just three points from four matches, having yet to secure a victory.
They trail group leaders Rwanda by four points, putting them in danger of missing out on back-to-back World Cup tournaments after failing to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Chelle, who will be taking charge of his first match as Super Eagles head coach, has called up 23 players for the upcoming qualifiers.
Following the Rwanda game, Nigeria will host Zimbabwe next Tuesday in another must-win encounter.
More players are expected to arrive at camp in the coming days as the Super Eagles prepare for what could be a defining moment in their World Cup qualification journey.
Nigerian para-badminton star Eniola Bolaji has once again showcased her dominance on the global stage, clinching gold in the women’s SL3 category at the Spanish Para-Badminton International 2025 in Toledo, Spain.
Bolaji, who is ranked world number two, secured her second title in two weeks with a commanding 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) victory over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in Sunday’s final.
The Paralympic bronze medallist was in top form throughout the tournament, defeating India’s Sanjana Kumari 2-0 (21-15, 21-8) in the second round before another straight-game win over Yildiz (21-9, 21-12) in the third round.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji Shocks The World With Historic Paralympic Win
She continued her dominance in the semifinal, overpowering Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyba 2-0 (21-16, 21-4) to book her place in the final.
Reacting to Bolaji’s triumph, the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, hailed her consistency and resilience, describing her as the only African player to have won 12 gold medals in all her international outings.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Eniola Bolaji on her incredible achievement of winning her 12th gold medal in as many international tournaments. This remarkable feat is a testament to her consistency, resilience, and unwavering dedication to excellence,” Orbih said.
“Bolaji has not only made Nigeria proud but has also firmly stamped her authority in the world of para-badminton. Her journey continues to inspire many, and we at the Badminton Federation of Nigeria remain committed to supporting her as she reaches even greater heights.”
Orbih also expressed excitement about Nigeria hosting the All African Para-Badminton/Abia International Para-Badminton Championships later this year, emphasizing that the event will further highlight the country’s growing influence in the sport.
“It gives me joy that the giants of Africa in para-badminton will be hosting an international championship and the African championship in Nigeria. It will give us an avenue to further expose other potential champions to the world,” he added.
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