The National Sports Commission (NSC) has dismissed reports suggesting that the Super Falcons are still owed match bonuses, insisting that all payments were cleared before the team’s final Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) match against Morocco.
NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, made the clarification during an interview on Arise TV on Friday, directly addressing concerns raised by Super Falcons star Rasheedat Ajibade, who recently lamented that the team had yet to receive their entitlements.
“I can confirm authoritatively that all their bonuses have been paid. I spoke with Ajibade yesterday and with the NFF, and everybody is on the same page,” Olopade said.
He, however, admitted there could be minor delays for a few players due to banking issues involving the Central Bank of Nigeria, stressing that such discrepancies were not widespread.
On the $100,000 reward pledged to the Falcons by President Bola Tinubu following their 2024 WAFCON triumph, Olopade assured that the payment would be honoured in full.
“On the promise of Mr President, I can assure you that it will be paid,” he stated.
The NSC boss also confirmed that arrangements were ongoing with the Ministry of Works and Housing to deliver the houses promised to the team under the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative.
“The NSC is in contact with the Minister of Works and Housing and with the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative to ensure that they receive their houses in record time,” Olopade added.
His remarks came in response to Ajibade’s recent interview, in which she expressed frustration over delays, saying: “We have not received our money, but hopefully, it would be paid. They have not paid all the promises, we have not received anything.”
Olopade reiterated the commission’s commitment to athlete welfare, stressing that the Falcons’ case would be fully resolved soon.
“The NSC doesn’t play with the remuneration and welfare of athletes,” he said.
