By Saheed Afolabi
The Secretary General of FIFA, Fatima Samoura has revealed that it was because of Nigeria that the World Football governing body decided to pay the national team players their bonuses directly to their account.
Samoura made this known after visiting the Falcons after they have sealed the round of 16 ticket.
The World Football governing body scribe says women’s football in Africa has gained tremendous improvement which have narrowed the gap with the rest of the world.
The astute football administrator opines that women’s World Cup will be won and lifted in Africa before the men’s own as she told the Nigeria players to remain resolute and go for the ultimate prize in the tournament.
“The difference between women’s football league in Africa and the rest of the World is getting narrow and narrow. So I have full confidence that we will have women’s World Cup lifted in Africa before the men and I know you are positioned for that,” she said.
“It is because of you (Super Falcons) that for the first time in the history of FIFA that the FIFA Women’s World Cup prize money will be paid directly to you, the players.”
The Super Falcons have been enraged with bonus row with the NFF in past tournaments and it has brought embarrassment to Nigeria.
Desire Oparanozie had a fallout with the then NFF led Amaju Pinnick as Pinnick ensured her captain armband was stripped because she fought for the players entitlement.
The Super Falcons will be taking on England in their round of 16 tie.